Things change, and we’ve all found ourselves in situations where things we used to believe worked a certain way ended up being completely different now.
Old wives’ tales don’t always work.
For instance, there are old wives’ tales about what bird nests can be made out of that scientists have now found do not work.
Some of the things we once believed were safe to leave for birds to use for their nests are not only inappropriate, but they can also prove fatal for our little feathered friends.
Below, we have compiled the 5 most popular items for bird nests that are really a big no-no.
1. Human hair
One of the things that we were happy to leave for birds to use for their nests was hair. It sounds pretty bird-friendly, doesn’t it? Well, not really.
Hair can prove dangerous for these little souls in case it wraps around their tiny feet. Because it does not biodegrade quickly, it can affect their blood circulation at that spot and even cause loss of the entire foot.
2. Yarn Scraps
If hair doesn’t work, then yarn should be fine, right? Wrong.
In fact, yarn carries the same risks as hair. Because of its slow biodegradability, it can get wrapped around a bird’s feet and cause the problems explained above.
For this reason, they should be avoided as well.
3. Dryer Lint
Dryer lint is not safe for bird nests either. This is because, along with lots of synthetic fibers from clothes, it also contains the chemicals contained in soaps and fabric softeners.
All of these can prove harmful for birds if they pick them up and use them in their nests.
4. Pet Fur
Why would pet fur be unsuitable for bird nests? Experts warn us to think twice before leaving pet fur for birds to use.
It seems that chemical residue from flea or tick treatment can be a potential threat for birds.
5. Synthetic items
Anything synthetic, from plastic to aluminum and metal items, is not to be given to birds for their nests.
Although birds are often attracted to colorful and shiny objects, using such materials could pose a threat since they could easily digest parts of these objects.
Knowing all the above, one is curious about what is actually suitable for birds’ nests.
A list of what’s good:
Some of these things are dead leaves and twigs, feathers, moss, or pine needles.
Also, short natural fibers are fine to use, such as coconut fibers, and untreated/un-dyed lichen.
Another good idea is to provide a safe environment for spiders if you want to attract birds and have them make their nests in your backyard.
Birds often use spider silk for their constructions because it makes the nests stretchy enough to cater to the needs of the growing nestlings.
The safe materials can be offered in piles on the ground, draped over vegetation, or in open-topped baskets.
Now that you know how you can help birds safely build their nests, you are ready to welcome your new feathered neighbors!
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