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mhempel35957 asked in PetsBirds · 7 years ago

Should I clean out an abandoned bird house or leave the old nest?

I have a fence post bird house that seems to have been abandoned. A few months ago there were a couple blue birds living in it, but I don't see them anymore. There is a nest inside and I opened it the other day and there is now a spider that has taken up residence. Should I clean it out so another bird can start over or should I leave it alone? It is too tall for me to see down into the nest to check for eggs, but if there were eggs the birds would be around right?

4 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 6
    7 years ago

    Nesting is a short season. How nice that you had a place for the bluebirds. Now that they have raised their young, the nest will not be needed again until next nesting season. Birds grow quickly, since many are migratory, and will have to grow strong enough in one summer season to be able to fly many thousands of miles to wintering grounds.

    Yes, you can clean out the old nest. Many species of birds build nests together as a part of their mating rituals. Some are built by the males, and the best nest, gets the best girl. Usually, migratory birds will rebuild a nest each year. Some will return to the same territory, where they were successful at raising young before. Watch for your bluebirds to return next spring, and they will appreciate a fresh start with a clean birdhouse. Check it again in early spring to be sure it's ready for them.

    Source(s): volunteer in wild animal hospital, birder
  • 7 years ago

    Cleaning out the old nest is good. Many birds will raise more than one clutch of eggs. You could have another nest built soon.

  • 7 years ago

    I would clean the old nest out, unless there is any evidence of activity. Not many birds will homestead an old nest. Just shoo the spider away, any bird that comes along is going to eat it.

    Source(s): Rural wildlife.
  • 7 years ago

    You should just throw it away, i have not heard of many birds taking abondoned nests for themselves, plus there is a spider their, i would throw it out.

    hope this helps

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