can i move a birds nest with eggs in it?

12 years ago

Hey everyone! I have recently discovered that some birds have recently built an nest attached to the wreath on our front door. I really really wish I could just leave it be, but once the eggs hatch and the babies get bigger, every time the door is opened or closed, it might push one out. Which is the last thing in the world that I want. There was already one cracked egg on the door step a few days ago :(.

So we moved the wreath, which the nest was attached to onto a short Shepard's hook a few feet away. So far I have not seen the mommy bird come back for her nest. Did I do the wrong thing? Is there a way to help her find it? The same wreath is there!

Also, the only thing Ican say aabout the bird is that she is very little and the eggs are mostly white. I did not touch any of the eggs cuz I heard that could ruin things for the mom bird. Please help!! Or of you know any experienced people that could help, let me know! Thank you so much!!

Brenna

Featured Answer

Kim

9 years ago

For anyone in the future looking - while I understand your quandary, you certainly did the best thing for your home and your health. Often birds have mites. Being on a wreath on your front door, chances are the mites would have made their way into your home. My understanding is they are extremely difficult to be rid of (minus a match).

Our family found out the hard way about mites. Bird had nested in our primary door wreath when we were away on vacation. We just used an alternate door so as to not disturb them. Thought it would be interesting with the kiddos to keep an eye on how things work. A few days after they hatched, I kept noticing a black smudge on the inside of the door. I'd wipe it off, another would show up. I finally looked really close and saw the smudge was moving! MITES.

Birds nest had to be moved immediately! We put it in the closest tree (about 40' away) lt turned out fine as momma found her lil ones. They took flight within a couple weeks, it seems like.

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Comments (8)

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
12 years ago
Ask on the bird forum?
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bvaccaro71
8 years ago
I also just found a nest on top of my wreath on my front door. and there are 4 eggs. reading what kim said freaked me out. yet I started to look for it. can I move the wreath with the nest by the tree were the mom and dad keeps flying away and from every time we open the door and come home? with the wreath! will the mom find them?
Alyssa C
8 years ago
To answer several of the questions - yes you can move the nest to a nearby spot, making sure it is still sheltered from rain (as I assume your front door is sheltered). Observe from inside or from a distance to see if the parents return. If they don't return within several hours, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator to ask what to do.

About the mites: feather mites, the tiny black dots that crawl off of infested birds, have evolved to grip bird feather shafts and therefore can't hold on to humans or other mammals. They are gross to see, and certainly a motivation to move the nest, but they pose no danger to people and they won't infest your house after the birds are gone.
sandersraylee
7 years ago
The answer is NO to most types of birds!! It is illegal. Here is then list of protected birds you can not move. https://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/migratory-bird-treaty-act-protected-species.php
HU-751968989
4 years ago
I have the same problem with bird nest in front door behind wreath. I waited to for birds to hatch, but they creating a mess in front door and door step. Will try moving them, did contact a local agency.
HU-720454908
4 years ago
I have a nest under my deck. I want to power wash and stain my deck. I believe there are eggs in this recently built nest. I was wondering if I move the nest until I am done will the mother come back. I am not sure what to do since I do not have another permanent place to move the nest to.
bragu_DSM 5
4 years ago
wait til the the eggs hatch and the mom moves them on ... you are only looking at a few weeks.