I recommend removing the old nest after bluebirds leave for three reasons:
- Removing the old nest protects the nestlings from predators by increasing the distance between the entrance hole and the...
- Some studies show that bluebirds prefer to build their second nest in a clean nest box.
- Removing the old nest helps protect bluebird nestlings from blowfly larvae and other...
Is it important to remove old bluebird nest?
I’ve been told other knowledgeable Bluebird enthusiasts that it’s important to remove the old nest because if a new nest is built on top of the old one the babies and parents become vulnerable to predators, being closer to the access hole. Also it’s easier to see what sort of bird is rebuilding if you start with a clean box.
Is it OK to clean out a bird nest?
You can definitely clean out a nest box after the fledglings leave—but don’t clean out nests. Why shouldn’t you clean out a used nest? Most birds don’t reuse their old nests, no matter how clean they are.
When is the best time to remove a bird nest?
The best time to remove a nest is when it is still in the building stage. If you notice a bird nest already built or remove one this season, keep an eye out in the same area next season and stop it before it is fully completed.
Do birds reuse their nests?
Most birds don’t reuse their old nests, no matter how clean they are. They typically build a new nest in a new location for each clutch. This reduces the prevalence of parasites—mites and lice lay eggs in nest materials, producing a whole batch of young parasites that would have a head start in attacking a new set of nestlings.
Do birds reuse bird nests?
Yes, some birds do reuse nests, if the nest is robust enough for another bird to reuse it. Birds who reuse nests tend to clear the nest out or add new materials on top. Birds reuse nests because either the nest is large enough to build on top of, or it's convenient to use what is already available.
What do you do with an abandoned bird nest?
If the nest is not accessible, set the nestling in a small container filled with shredded paper towel. Fasten it firmly to the tree trunk or place it in a nearby shrub in hopes its parent will care for it. It's a common myth that adults abandon baby birds upon human contact.
When can you remove a birds nest?
In the United States, for example, it is illegal to remove or destroy any active nest from a native bird species, defined as a nest with eggs or brooding adults in it. 1 If the nest has been abandoned or no eggs have yet been laid, it can be removed or destroyed as needed.
How long does bird nesting last?
After 2 or 3 weeks, most songbirds are usually ready to leave the nest. Other birds, such as raptors, may stay in the nest for as long as 8 to 10 weeks. In contrast, precocial birds spend hardly any time in the nest and are often seen wandering in search of food alongside their parents only hours after hatching.
Protect the Nest
Bird control is not as simple as just trying to figure out how to get rid of a birds nest.
The Facts About How to Get Rid of a Birds Nest
Birds build their nests to provide a safe, temperate space to lay their eggs. The locations they choose to nest in and the type of nest they construct are based on many environmental factors such as the species of the bird, presence of competitors, parasites and predators, temperature and humidity.
Nest boxes vs natural cavities
In natural cavities, birds often must deal with old nesting material that is already present.
Does removing old nests mean fewer ectoparasites?
Some birds have adapted to cope with ectoparasites, so cleaning out your nest box may not have any impact on whether they occupy it. Male House Wrens, for example, clean out the old nesting material between clutches, essentially doing the job for you.
Not all birds clean house
Bluebirds do not remove old nesting material, rather they simply build over an existing nest. If you do not clean out your nest box, it may become filled to the brim with old nesting material. This can potentially leave the new nest dangerously close to the entrance hole, where predators can easily reach it.
What To Do When Bluebirds Leave The Nest
When bluebirds and their fledglings finally leave the nest, here’s what to do with your nest box. First, remove the used nest and dispose of it in a different location. (Throwing the nest on the ground could potentially attract predators to the nest box.) Then, once you have removed the old nest, clear the box of any debris and close it up.
Why I recommend removing the old nest after bluebirds leave
Interestingly, certain studies show that bluebirds like to build their second nest on top of their first nest, while other studies show the opposite, that bluebirds prefer to build their second nest in a clean nest box. So, why do I recommend the latter option? I recommend removing the old nest after bluebirds leave for three reasons:
Should I sanitize the nest box each time bluebirds fledge?
So, we know that there are some proven benefits to cleaning out the nest box after bluebirds leave. But, should you go a step further and sanitize the nest box after you remove the nest? The answer is no. You do not need to fully sanitize the nest box after each time your bluebirds fledge.
What to with your nest box at the end of the season
At the end of the nesting season, I recommend cleaning out your bluebird houses and doing a deep-clean to sanitize the nest boxes for the following year. Sanitizing your nest boxes is a good way to wrap up the season and wipe out anything in the nest box that might attract parasites.
Conclusion
Now, I hope it’s clear what to do when bluebirds leave the nest. Essentially, remove the nests after each brood of bluebirds fledge. Then, clean out and sanitize your nest boxes at the end of the season. It’s as simple as that.
Prevention
Check For Activity
- Always make sure a nest is inactive before removing or relocating it. Never attempt to remove or relocate a nest if there are birds or eggs present. It is best to wait until after nesting season for any removal or relocation. Eggs in a nest without signs of the parents don’t necessarily mean the nest has been abandoned. The parents may be out feeding or they may have left to allow the eg…
Wait For The End of Nesting Season
- The best time to remove or relocate a nest is after nesting season is over. Most birds only nest once per year; however, some species will nest 4 to 5 times. The time varies with the species of bird. Without knowing the specific species of bird, it is difficult to determine the best time to remove or relocate the nest. A professional can help identify the species you are dealing with an…
Use Proper Precautions
- Once you have positively identified the species of bird you have, confirmed it is legal to remove the nest, and have made sure the nest is inactive and no eggs are present, you can proceed with removing or relocating the nest. Bird nests can harbor other pests and residual bird droppings that can contain dangerous pathogens for humans. Make sure to...
Call A Professional
- It can be difficult to determine whether or not the bird nest in or on your home is legal to remove or the best way to remove it. If you have a bird nest that is causing problems in or on your property, contact a professional wildlife exclusion companywho can positively identify the species of bird you have, properly remove or dispose of the nest, and help you identify areas where nesti…