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I first posted this in the "pets" forum because I figured that pet lovers would understand my wish to evict my new tenants without inflicting any harm. I figured I'd also post here, because it really is a house question and not a pet question.
A family of birds (and I don't know what kind other than they are very small - maybe wrens?) has invaded my house by tearing off the screen to the outside vent that connects with the powder room exhaust fan. Anyone have any idea as to the best way to get them out while inflicting the least amount of harm to them? I'd rather not hurt them, which is why I'm thinking of waiting until after winter, but hopefully before they've laid any eggs in the spring.
Use a smock or long sleeved shirt. "Herd" them towards the person holding it. Keeping the jacket/shirt open (hold by the ends of the shoulder area) throw it straight up in front of the bird just before it gets to you. It can take some practice and you will be surprised at how fast they can dodge, but this method allows capture without injury.
Make sure what you use is light fabric. We used to use store smocks when I worked in a garden center. People in stores still wear them. The smock/shirt will fold over the bird, trapping it without hurting it because it's light and forms to them instead of just abruptly stopping them.
Use a smock or long sleeved shirt. "Herd" them towards the person holding it. Keeping the jacket/shirt open (hold by the ends of the shoulder area) throw it straight up in front of the bird just before it gets to you. It can take some practice and you will be surprised at how fast they can dodge, but this method allows capture without injury.
Make sure what you use is light fabric. We used to use store smocks when I worked in a garden center. People in stores still wear them. The smock/shirt will fold over the bird, trapping it without hurting it because it's light and forms to them instead of just abruptly stopping them.
Did it for years and never had an injury.
They're actually not flying loose in the house; they're behind the ceiling in the vent that connects to the fan. Sorry - I guess I didn't explain that very well!
My daughter has a pigeon problem in her condo. The somehow gain access to her attic, and then work their way down to her return air vent. The first time, we didn't notice them for about a week, so by the time we unscrewed the vent, they were pretty weak from hunger and thirst. We put on gloves and used a big bath towel and it was easy to grab them without injury. We took them outside and released them.
We had a pigeon guy come out and put up screens to keep them out, but they still got in. We had to do it three times over as few months before we finally got them stopped...
House wrens are sweet little birds. Build 'em a birdhouse under the eaves or in another protected place on the house. Pigeons, OTOH...
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