Spring is always a busy time for the GSPCA and we can all do something to help ensure the animals of Guernsey.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA with Spring fast approaching are already seeing orphaned baby birds and animals.”
“With birds especially in full swing of building their nests and some already nesting the GSPCA wants to share a number of important messages.”
“One has been recently shared by Song Bird Survival and the States of Guernsey on the importance of not putting out pet hair.”
“Pet hair can contain traces of flea products which has the potential of being toxic to the nesting birds, particularly the eggs and newly hatched chicks.”
"Recent research from the University of Sussex funded by Song Bird Survival has shown very concerning results connect pet flea products, pet hair and chick mortality rates."
"There are lots of other ways you can help or wildlife from putting out nest bowes and shelters to appropriate food, water and other resources."
Information from Song Bird Survival announced on the 12th February 2025 –
‘Don’t put out pet fur for nesting birds, charity warns.
- Pet owners looking to help birds this nesting season should avoid leaving out dog or cat fur, warns bird charity SongBird Survival.
- University of Sussex research, funded by SongBird Survival, finds harmful chemicals from flea treatments in fur lined nests of blue and great tits.
- Instead, the charity urges the public to install nest boxes as bird breeding season begins and share their expert tips for putting up a nest box.
Pet owners looking to help birds this nesting season should avoid leaving out dog or cat fur, warns independent charity SongBird Survival. Research from the University of Sussex, funded by the charity, has found high levels of harmful chemicals from pet flea treatment in bird’s nests lined with animal fur, leading to increased chick mortality rates. SongBird Survival is now calling on the government to undertake a greater environmental risk assessment of veterinary drugs, so that the public can be confident they are keeping their pets well without potentially devastating impacts on wildlife.
Instead of putting out pet fur for birds, SongBird Survival is urging the public to install nest boxes to provide songbirds with a safe space to raise their young and shelter.
Susan Morgan, Chief Executive of SongBird Survival, stated:
“Pet fur may seem like a cosy nesting material for birds but, if pets have been treated with flea or tick drugs, it can be seriously harmful. Instead, support songbirds by installing a nest box and give them natural nesting materials by planting long grasses or leaving out piles of grass clippings, twigs, and leaves.”
Dr Cannelle Tassin de Montaigu, Research and Associate Fellow at the University of Sussex and lead author of recent research, says:
“No nest was free from insecticides in our study, and there is clear evidence these are harmful to birds, eggs and chicks. Veterinary flea and tick drugs are the most likely source of contamination. I would recommend that people do not put treated pet fur outside on purpose for birds.”
SongBird Survival’s top tips for nest boxes:
1. Choose the right box and location:
- Boxes with small holes (25mm) attract blue tits, coal tits, and marsh tits; larger holes (32mm) suit pied flycatchers, great tits, and tree sparrows. They need to be 2-4 metres off the ground on a wall or tree.
- Open-fronted boxes, which help robins and wrens should be low to the ground, well hidden behind shrubs.
- ‘Terrace-style’ boxes with multiple entrances should go under eaves, helping sparrow communities.
2. Face nest boxes north or east to avoid overheating in the sun.
3. Plant shrubs beneath nest boxes, ideally spiky ones like gorse or roses, to provide safe landing spots for fledglings and keep away predators.
4. Keep feeders and nest boxes separate to reduce predator attacks.
5. Make boxes predator-proof, adding a metal hole restrictor that stops predators being able to widen the entrance and get in. Make sure your nest box doesn’t have a perch on the outside allowing easy access for predators.
6. Provide natural nesting materials by leaving grass clippings, twigs, moss and leaves. You can also plant ornamental grasses like Molinia, Miscanthus or Cortaderia.
February marks the start of the UK bird breeding season, making now the perfect time to install a nest box. With National Nest Box Week beginning on February 14th, SongBird Survival encourages everyone to take action to protect songbirds in gardens and local green spaces.
For more tips and a step-by-step guide on helping baby birds if you see one on the ground, visit www.songbird-survival.org.uk.’
States Veterinary Officer, Bailiwick of Guernsey facebook page recently stated -
‘With bird nesting season just around the corner, we don't recommend putting out groomed pet hair for birds to use as nesting material.
There has been some evidence published recently suggesting that fur lined nests potentially expose birds to chemicals, such as those found in veterinary anti-parasitic medicines. Although further research on this topic will need to be done, we advise that pet owners do not deliberately leave groomed fur out for birds to collect. Instead, this should be disposed of in your general refuse waste bag. We also advise against using human hair due to the risk of entanglement and the use of hair products that may be toxic to birds.
What can you do instead? Leave out natural fibres and plant materials. Place these in a hanging basket or nearby bush so it's easy for birds to collect material quickly and safely.’
Steve continued “We are also about to see many baby birds around the island and the GSPCA can be called for advice on 257261 or check out our online wildlife advice page https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice .”
“In particular baby bird advice is really important as if they are healthy and not at direct risk we have a page full of advice here https://www.gspca.org.gg/animal/baby-bird-advice .”
“It is also very busy as we prepare for our BIGGEST BUILD which includes putting up new aviaries and enclosures away from the location this will be built”
“The main part of this build is the first ever Wildlife Hospital in the Channel islands.”
“To make a donation, find out more or support our BIGGEST BUILD Appeal please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey .”
“There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST event is our Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday on the 18th May and for details check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday .“
“We have guided tours this weekend and to book you place check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-half-term-februarymarch-2025-guided-tours-next-weekend-book-now-see-exciting-plans-animal and we have the GSPCA Cupcake Week in May https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-cupcake-week .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“You can also make a donation to help the animals in our care, please go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”
“You can also donate by calling 01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or popping up to the Shelter in St Andrews.”
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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