How Do Birds Get in a Chimney Pipe?

Theories/Speculation

• It is thought that birds seek warmth when searching for a nesting area. However, many other reasons exist as possibilities why birds get into a chimney. One is to get out of the wind--birds do not fly well in strong winds, and your chimney might be the only available spot to seek refuge.

Initial Access

• Chimneys are also the only opening in your home that is visible to a bird flying overhead. The chimney hole is visible to a bird flying overhead. The bird will see the hole in the top of the chimney and be tempted to get inside if nesting or caught in a storm. This increases the chance that a bird will pick your chimney as a safe haven--as opposed to other spots, like holes in the side of tree or under your porch.

Getting Inside

• Birds get inside an open chimney simply by flying inside. They might first hover over the opening and then descend down into the chimney by hopping along the mortar ridges formed inside the chimney. Birds are also able to slide into tight spaces, so they are able to slide through the metal flaps of a covered chimney.

Staying Inside the Chimney

• The bird is hidden from predators once it descends into the chimney. Inside, the chimney is dark, so another predator flying overhead will not see the bird. It will likely stay inside the chimney as long as the weather is bad or until it needs to find food. If the chimney is clogged with creosote or other barriers that complicate the bird's exit, it will be trapped inside the chimney until it finds a way out.

Problems

• Bird feces carries an air-borne disease called histoplasmosis, which results in uncontrollable flu symptoms like coughing and fever. Birds can also damage roofing materials, and their feces is acidic enough to cause damage to a building or stain car surfaces. Bird nests will block the chimney draft and result in poor venting; nests are also a fire hazard.

Removal

• The removal of bird nests must be completed by a professional chimney sweep--or an animal control officer if the nest, still contains wildlife. It is wise to contact one of the two right away to solve your bird nest problem.