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Removing birds from our garden
Hi all. Our cat has recently discovered a bird's nest with a couple of chicks in our garden. Now, whenever he goes outside, he goes straight to the nest to try and get to the chicks. We are not sure what to do - we cannot lock him inside all day, but do not want him to kill the birds.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what we could do? Or does anyone know of any kind of animal centres who could maybe come and remove the birds safely? We live in Kortenberg.
Thanks!
No, the chicks would die if they were moved. It would be easier to move the cat!
Of course you can keep a cat indoors, most people should.
Depending on what type of chicks they are, they'll probably be there for about another week before flying off. Just keep an eye on the cat. And if he/she eats the chicks, then that's unfortunate, but it's nature. It's no big deal.
"we cannot lock him inside all day"
Yes you can. Cats are territorial. If the territory is inside the house, they're happy.
Alternatively, maybe you'd consider a cattery to be more humane until they have flown the nest.
If you've ever lived in a neighborhood not plagued by cats, you'd find the wildlife in your garden is amazing.
You cannot move a birds nest as others have said.
We also have a cat and from time to time he injures or kills a bird and it drives me insane, although I know its a cat's nature to do this.
We put a bell on him which helps a bit with birds that can fly away. This wont work with chick though and I would also say, keep him indoors until the birds are out of the nest and gone. For the first few days after they leave the nest they will be even more vulnerable to the cat as they learn how to fly. The only solution is to keep kitty away if you want to protect the birds.
Its a tough one.
So you want the best of both worlds eh?
What sort of bird is it? A threatened species? If so, then do something, perhaps contact Natagora for example.
If not then make a decision - keep the cat and let it be a cat or become a bird protector and enjoy turning your garden into a wildlife haven. Have fun stopping crows and magpies stealing eggs.
Basically, keep the cat and accept that it does cat stuff or get rid. Sorry to be harsh but there you go. I have a cat (and the neighbours do too) and lots of birds in the garden too. They learn where not to build nests. Treat it as natural selection if you wish.
Please please take the bell off of your cat Georgiana its not nice for them, it's like us have tinnitus If you dont believe me try alking around for a hour with a cat bell on a choker around your neck. Plus a fast cat will get prey no matter what you do. It life as a cat owner I am afraid to say. All I can suggest is that you try and limit. The time your cat is out till the birds are fledged.
