Nests in the attic (outside, removing, seal, wall)

[emotiioo]

Birds (sparrows) built a nest in the attic at one of our rentals and are chirping, which is "disturbing" the tenant. We looked around and found where they got in. I don't know the first thing about removing a bird family.

If we seal the hole now, the babies will starve and rot. I am not interested in killing them. Do we wait until they are older?

Who do we even call?

[cdelena]

I've just sealed them in and they dry out over time with little odor.

[emotiioo]

Originally Posted by cdelena

I've just sealed them in and they dry out over time with little odor.

Wow. That sounds kinda cruel! No offense. I just don't know if I can do that. I am a vegetarian and do a lot of animal welfare volunteering. I have a hard time with killing an animal, even a pest.

Is that the only way to go, despite my squeamishness?

[BirdieBelle]

Hire a wildlife removal specialist in your area, and seal any means of entry.

[Barking Spider]

As an inspector, I see lots of bird nests in attics. I also see lots of dead birds. My guess is they can't always find their way out.
If you don't want to displace them, you will have to wait until they are ready to fly, then remove the nest and seal the opening.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by cdelena

I've just sealed them in and they dry out over time with little odor.

I legit laughed out loud at this one.


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OP,

Really you have a few options. Wait for the young to grow and hopefully find their way out of the attic (they don't always do) and then seal the hole.

Or, move the nest (either yourself or hire someone) hit or miss if they will survive after relocation. The whole "don't touch the babies or the parents will abandon them" thing is a myth. I've moved plenty of nests and the parents still came back and tended to them. Block the hole when the parents are out, take the nest outside and put it somewhere in view of the original entrance to the attic. The parents will hear them chirping. What happens next is hit or miss really. Sometimes they do fine if a bit older, other times if very young they won't make it.

They grow up pretty quick if you (or the tenant) can wait.

But, like previously said, they don't always find their way out of the attic once they leave the nest. I've found plenty of young, dead birds in attics.

[Ralph_Kirk]

Had an owl nesting in my attic once. I rather liked it--she was quiet and kept out the squirrels and mice.

[pretty in black]

I had been hearing a bird in the wall from Sunday until Wednesday. I didn't hear it yesterday or this morning. I hope the poor thing got out.

[cully]

If it's not too late, you could try a wildlife rehabber.

[hotkarl]

Wait it out, when they leave seal up the opening.