How to Help a Nesting Bird: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byRoger J. Lederer, PhD

Last Updated: January 3, 2024References

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   Set up a birdbath so the birds can drink and bathe. A birdbath will keep the nesting bird hydrated and will give it a way to cool down. Birds typically enjoy shallow fresh water in the birdbath. Refill the water in the birdbath daily to prevent bugs and wipe it down once a week to keep it clean.^[1]

   • The average depth of the birdbath should be around 3 inches (7.6cm) for most birds.
   • Wipe down your birdbath with a solution of 9 parts water to 1 part white vinegar once every week. This solution is safe for bird feathers and will clean the birdbath.^[2]
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   Provide a birdhouse or nestbox to give the bird shelter. A birdhouse or nestbox will provide a place for nesting birds to lay their eggs. A nestbox is a plastic or wood box that has an opening on the top. You can buy a birdhouse or nestbox online or at a pet store. Birdhouses and nest boxes should be 5–30 feet (1.5–9.1m) above the ground and can be attached to a smooth pole or on a tree, away from hanging branches. This will prevent predators like squirrels and raccoons from accessing the nest.^[3]

   • You can buy a traditional birdhouse, just make sure it is big enough for the type of bird that’s nesting near you.
   • You can also use a wooden box or wicker basket as an alternative to a nestbox.
   • Placing the birdhouse next to branches on trees gives squirrels and other bird predators easy access to it. Keep them at least 10 feet (3.0m) away from branches.^[4]
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   Leave dry twigs, leaves, and grass out for nesting material. The birds will need something to create their nest with. Dried twigs, leaves, and grass are all safe materials for the birds. Place the materials in a pile outside or drape them over vegetation in your yard.^[5]

   • You can also leave out human or animal hair for the nest.
   • Do not put out tinsel, plastic, or tin foil because it’s unsafe for birds.
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   Fill a birdfeeder with foods that contain a lot of protein. Suet, mealworms, and peanuts are high-protein foods that will give the birds a lot of energy as they nest. This will also provide a healthy food source that the nesting birds can use for their young once the eggs hatch. Place the birdhouse on a pole or high tree at least 10 feet (3.0m) away from any hanging branches.^[6]

   • Refill the birdfeeder as it gets empty.
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   Providing Nesting Materials Safely - NestWatchHow to Cook Chinese Bird Nest (燕窝)Compare fund performance | Nest PensionsWhat Nesting Materials Are Safe for Birds?

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   Put out eggshells for added calcium. Eggshells will replace the calcium that’s expended when the female bird lays eggs. Dry out eggshells in the oven at 250°F (121°C) for 15-30 minutes, then crush them up into tiny pieces. Sprinkle the shells outside so that the birds eat them and supplement their natural calcium.^[7]

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   Do not approach the nest or touch the nest. Visiting the nest could leave your scent, which could attract predators. While it may be tempting to get a closer look at the nest, revisiting the area could put the bird and hatchlings in danger.^[8]

   • Approaching a nesting bird may scare it away.
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   Place a nestling back in the nest if it falls out. While you shouldn’t normally touch or approach the nest, a fallen nestling could be in danger. Wear a pair of gloves when handling the hatchling so you don't leave your scent on it. Then, save the hatchling by carefully lifting the bird and placing it back in its nest.^[9]

   • Most birds will get spooked after their nest is disturbed. It may take several hours for the bird to return to the nest.
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   Keep cats and dogs away from the nest. If you have pets, you should keep them inside or away from the birds' nest. Cats will not only disrupt the nest, but they may also kill the hatchlings or break the eggs in the nest. If you have a dog, keep it on a leash so that you don’t scare or stress out the nesting bird.^[10]

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   Don’t use pesticides or herbicides in your yard. Herbicides and pesticides could be lethal to smaller birds. They may also use the herbicide-covered foliage to create their nest, which is unhealthy for the hatchlings. Avoid using these harmful chemicals in the months of spring and summer, as this is when birds will be nesting.^[11]

   • Don’t cut shrubs and plants so that different birds can use the leaves and branches to create their nests.

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