How to Get a Bird Out of Your House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a bird inside your home can be a stressful experience for both you and the bird. The most important thing is to remain calm and act quickly to ensure the bird’s safety and prevent damage to your home. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to safely and effectively remove a bird from your house.

1. Preparation and Assessment

Before you start chasing the bird around, take a moment to assess the situation. This will help you formulate a plan and minimize stress for both you and the bird.

  • Identify the Bird’s Location: Observe where the bird is currently located. Is it perched on a curtain rod, flying around erratically, or hiding in a corner?
  • Identify the Bird Species (If Possible): Knowing the species can sometimes provide clues about its behavior and how to best approach it. However, this isn’t crucial for the removal process.
  • Close Off Other Rooms: Prevent the bird from flying into other parts of the house by closing doors to other rooms. This confines the bird to a smaller area, making it easier to manage.
  • Protect Vulnerable Items: Cover or remove fragile items that could be knocked over or damaged during the bird’s flight. This includes lamps, vases, and delicate decorations.
  • Turn Off Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans pose a significant risk to birds in flight. Ensure all fans are turned off to prevent injury.
  • Secure Pets: Keep cats and dogs away from the area. Their presence will only stress the bird further and could lead to a dangerous chase.

2. Creating an Escape Route

The key to getting a bird out of your house is to guide it towards an open exit. Birds naturally seek light, so focus on creating a clear and inviting pathway to the outside.

  • Open a Window or Door: Choose a window or door in the room where the bird is located. Ideally, select one that faces the direction the bird seems to be heading or one that offers a clear view of the outdoors.
  • Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds on the chosen window or door to allow as much natural light as possible to enter. This will attract the bird towards the exit.
  • Dim Interior Lights: Turn off or dim the lights in the room to make the open window or door the most appealing source of light. This encourages the bird to fly towards it.
  • Remove Obstructions: Clear any obstructions directly outside the window or door, such as hanging plants or furniture, that might deter the bird from flying out.

3. Guiding the Bird Out

Now that you have created an escape route, you need to gently guide the bird towards it. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these will only scare the bird and make it more difficult to control.

  • Remain Calm and Patient: This is the most important step. Birds are highly sensitive to stress, and your anxiety will only exacerbate the situation. Speak in a calm, soothing voice and move slowly.
  • Avoid Chasing: Chasing the bird will likely frighten it and cause it to fly erratically, potentially injuring itself. Instead, try to gently herd it towards the open exit.
  • Use a Large Cloth or Sheet (Optional): If the bird is perched high up or difficult to reach, you can try using a large, lightweight cloth or sheet to gently guide it. Hold the cloth loosely and approach the bird slowly. The goal is to encourage it to fly towards the open window or door, not to trap it.
  • Gentle Encouragement: You can try gently clapping your hands or making soft shooing noises to encourage the bird to move in the desired direction. However, avoid being too loud or aggressive.
  • Give it Time: Sometimes, the best approach is to simply give the bird time to find its own way out. Leave the room and allow the bird to calm down and discover the open exit on its own. Check back periodically to see if it has left.

4. If the Bird is Injured

If you suspect the bird is injured, it’s important to handle it with extra care. Wear gloves to protect yourself from potential diseases and gently place the bird in a cardboard box lined with soft material, such as paper towels. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for assistance.

  • Do Not Attempt to Treat the Bird Yourself: Unless you have experience in wildlife rehabilitation, it’s best to leave the treatment to the professionals.
  • Provide a Safe and Quiet Environment: Keep the box in a warm, dark, and quiet place to minimize stress for the bird.
  • Offer Water (Optional): You can offer a shallow dish of water, but do not force the bird to drink.

5. Prevention

Once you have successfully removed the bird, take steps to prevent future incidents.

  • Check for Openings: Inspect your home for any gaps or openings that birds could use to enter, such as cracks in walls, loose screens, or openings around pipes.
  • Seal Entry Points: Seal any identified entry points with caulk, mesh, or other appropriate materials.
  • Install Bird-Safe Screens: Consider installing bird-safe screens on windows and doors to prevent birds from accidentally flying into your home.
  • Be Mindful of Open Doors and Windows: Be particularly cautious when leaving doors and windows open, especially during nesting season.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove a bird from your house and prevent future occurrences. Remember to prioritize the bird’s well-being and your own safety throughout the process.