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There's something in my chimney.
(updated)
I have a disused fireplace in my home office room, but there's a critter who's using it. I have tried to explain that it's disused, and the meaning of that, but it just makes scrabbling sounds at me.
I do not know what size or type of critter it is. Nor do I want to open up the little sealed hatch to find out because then I'd have a loose critter about the house to catch - and I am not at my most nimble at the mo. But I don't want it to be trapped, or hurt.
What does one do, in these situations? If it doesn't extracate itself by tomorrow morning, perhaps I should call the RSPCA. Or get Rob to come over with a fishing net.
//update - Oh, it's a bird. I heard it flap. What do I do, internets? //
//update - Now the ever-astute cats have noticed that there is a bird in the chimney, about an hour after it arrived there, and are taking it in turns to bat and head butt the chimney flap. This is not going to end well. //
//final (?) update - The lovely man from the RSPCA came (he was quite skinny and had a standard issue RSPCA navy blue jumper on, and because it was too big for him it made his epaulettes look GIANT) and - of course - the bloody bird was nowhere to be seen. He heard a brief spasmic flutter and a fussy cheep, and then nothing. So the bird must have taken the man from the RSPCA seriously, but not me, and scarpered. And now my office is smothered in decades-old dust and the RSPCA man has trodden soil all up my stairs and landing carpet. Sob. Still, it was extremely nice of him to come out and I'll send them a cheque - once I've cleaned this house. //
Comments: 9
I'm no bird-catching expert but could you open the hatch and use a towel to catch him as he comes out? If he gets out into the house you could let him flap around and get Rob round to catch him later...
Posted by: fiona robyn on September 23, 2008 09:01 AM
I think that's what I have to do. The thing is, there's probably 15 years worth of spiders behind the hatch, too, which frightens me. I might call the letting agent - there must be some plus side to renting rather than owning a house. Also, I honestly cannot bend down at the moment - emptying the dishwasher takes half an hour! Oh dear.
Posted by: Em on September 23, 2008 09:14 AM
Oh dear... feel for you - was recently stuck in my (netted) vegetable patch trying to untangle a green woodpecker's ankle from the ceiling net with nobody in shouting distance... got it off eventually but it took a good 20 mins! If a spider-phobia is involved then def. call your agent, or just flag down a passing car!
Posted by: fiona robyn on September 23, 2008 09:57 AM
PS I have found that letting the cat catch the bird, then catching the cat and releasing the bird, can be easier than cutting out the middle-cat - but I haven't tried this method in advanced pregnancy...
Posted by: fiona robyn on September 23, 2008 09:59 AM
Possibly a jackdaw who like to go down chimneys and nest. RSPCA best bet. Caution: if the bird gets out into the room and flaps about it will be covered in soot and most probably room will require redecorating! Ensure any unused chimney is capped to avoid this in the future
Posted by: Fiona's Dad on September 23, 2008 10:11 AM
Thanks dad! Hmm, wouldn't want to catch a jackdaw with or without cat...
Posted by: fiona robyn on September 23, 2008 10:18 AM
Thanks, Fiona's dad! It is true that dads always know best. I will ring the RSPCA.
Posted by: Em on September 23, 2008 10:24 AM
Shoot it. I'm not redecorating that room again.
Posted by: Sibling #1 on September 23, 2008 12:18 PM
RSPCA are on their way... I tried to get it out with an ingenious fireguard / old sheet / long stick combo, but it just flapped frantically and cheaped in a worried way. Calling in the experts.
Posted by: Em on September 23, 2008 01:24 PM