View Full Version : Bird down chimney
timwilky
24-06-10, 07:19 PM
So I have a hole in the wall type gas fire built into my chimney breast, and an open to the sky chimney.
Lately the sky rats have taken to parking their dirty little arses on the chimney pot. Today the wife moaned that there was a layer of soot in front of the fire. and daughter spouting how the sweep mustn't have done much of a job last year when the fire was fitted.
When I turned off TV, I could hear a rustling from the fire, quite distinct like a bird attempting to flap its wings.
So what do I do. Get in a gas fitter to remove fire (It was a ******* for him to fit in the first place), I assume the thing covered in soot will then flap round the newly decorated lounge dropping **** and soot everywhere.
Or just wait for it to die.
will it stink? will it start dropping maggots/flies. what happens come winter and I have to turn on the fire.
Or do I get in gas fitter in a weeks time assuming the bugger will be dead by then.
Bye the way it was the gas fitter that fitted the open top chimney pot, I did wonder at the time if it was wise, but because of rain. He said it would be OK.
timwilky
24-06-10, 07:24 PM
I would need to drop the cat down, but I suppose if I tie a string to it collar I can then pull it out.
but if the string was to break I would need to drop a dog down to get the cat
so, should I climb on roof and drop down fishing line with a couple of nice big trebles on to hoist the thing out?
bird fishing... great fun.
Drop the cat down the chimmy - it will also help clear the excess soot
DarrenSV650S
24-06-10, 07:29 PM
Chim chim-in-ey, chim chim-in-ey, chim chim cher-ee....
Just get a chimney sweep!!
missyburd
24-06-10, 07:33 PM
I suppose you could construct some sort of net at the bottom of the chimney for the bird to fall in and to stop it flitting about your lounge. Then release it outside, that's if it survives the shock of a) being trapped in a chimney and b) seeing your face Tim :-P
How long has it been in there? I assume if it dies it will just fall down?
Electro
24-06-10, 07:42 PM
Did you have a liner fitted down the existing flue and is the fire inside a firebox or just an opening in the brickwork? The fire shouldnt be that hard to remove if fitted correctly as it has to be removed to clean behind if you have it serviced.
timwilky
24-06-10, 07:50 PM
The gas fitter removed the liner, so it is just brick He had to open the old aperture, take out a few course and fit a lintel.
It was hard work for him, the fire will not slide in/out. It needed to be twisted to get the shell in and took him quite some time
Bluefish
24-06-10, 08:07 PM
The gas fitter removed the liner, so it is just brick He had to open the old aperture, take out a few course and fit a lintel.
It was hard work for him, the fire will not slide in/out. It needed to be twisted to get the shell in and took him quite some time
to get the bird out you will of course need to get access to the rear of the fire, most sweeps don't touch gas so there no use in this case, you obviously need a bird guard fitting on the open pot a sweep will do that. can't understand why he didn't fit another liner and a guard at the time of fitting the fire though.
timwilky
24-06-10, 08:18 PM
He took out the old liner saying it was a class something flue and didn't need it. Took off the old chimney pot that was closed in with holes in the sides and put an open pot on.
He is a puker fitter, we got a gas safe certificate through the post a few weeks ago for the install.
The fire had two exhaust options, either through the top to which he fitted a blank or through the back for which he removed he blank. He will be please if I ask him back.
the white rabbit
24-06-10, 08:30 PM
Been a while since I've had a bird up the chimney.
turn the gas fire on.... for 24 hours.
Bluefish
24-06-10, 08:36 PM
As he has chosen the rear option, instead of fitting a flue liner onto the top, the fire has got to be able to be removed to check the catchment space and the brickwork at the rear of the fire, this should be easy, i bet it's not, that's why flue liners were invented, i'm taking it that the fire is built into the wall, i would have a look at your installation instructions.
Rumble bee
24-06-10, 08:39 PM
Im a gas fitter and dead birds do smell! Better off getting your fitter out, if hes quiet and quick should be able to grab the bird before it does damage to the room. Shouldnt be to much trouble.
Had to remove a live one three weeks ago, bloody thing fell down it again 4 days later.
Chris.
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