how to protect a bird nest from cats

14 years ago

Cardinals built a nest in a tree off my deck and it is only six feet off the ground. I have five cats and several strays. I'd like to try to protect the babies and was wondering if it would help to set 5 gallon buckets all around under the tree.

Any other ideas???

thanks

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Comments (9)

lisa11310
14 years ago
Hi there. I know you have come here for help and ideas. To be very honest cats will be cats and the only way to protect these babies (and all the others ones nesting that you dont see)is to keep the cats in the house. I know you are trying to help the strays too, please try to find them a no kill shelter or an organization that will spay/neuter and adopt them out. If you don't your neighborhood will be over run with cats. It's not the cats fault, just very bad cat owners that let them roam free. I love cats but I also love the birds, I have 4 cats, all rescued strays..and they do NOT go outside. Cats are not welcome on my property. Be aware this is a very hot topic, we understand you are trying to help but what I have said is the only sure way to protect wildlife of all kinds. Thanks for your concern.
frank_il
14 years ago
Lisa,
That was probably the best possible answer.
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gardenlover25
13 years ago
birds and cats are both your pets keeping those gallons under the nest is just a temporary solution. If your cats figured out how to attack those babies that would be a big problem. Keeping your cats inside the house is the safest way to prevent the baby birds from hurting.
janie_may
13 years ago
Ditto to what Frank said. Lisa really did give you the best possible answer for the safety of the birds.
aleksandras
13 years ago
You could use a automatic sprinkler near the tree to deter cats. But it will only be a temporary solution. After the babies fledge, they will not be protected anymore. Cardinals leave their nest before they can fly and they will be easy prey for your cats.
Buckets will not stop cats. Unless you fill it with water,and then the babies will drown.

Here is a link that might be useful: Motion Activated Water Repellent
datura-07
Original Author
13 years ago
thanks for your help. I can't keep them inside - they try to sneak out when we open the door and they will drive us nuts but I have been keeping an eye on them when they go out. I have a dozen buckets under the tree so they can't get close and I haven't noticed them going near it. I've made them all stay in the house at night.
aleksandras
13 years ago
If you'll build an enclosure for them, they will not drive you nuts trying to get out.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cat Enclosures
frank_il
13 years ago
I also agree with aleks. You could very easily build an enclosure.
aleksandras
13 years ago
Here is mine. It's made of dog kennel 10'x10'

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how to protect a bird nest from cats

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lisa11310

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