Four paws expert gives tips for animal -friendly nest construction help
Hamburg. The dog's struggled fur spread out in the garden or on the meadow – many animal lovers believe so that the birds do something good for the nest building. After all, dog hair is soft, warm and apparently ideal for a cozy nest. But what is meant well can have fatal consequences. Eva Lindenschmidt, a graduate biologist and wild animal expert in the four paws wildlife station, warns of this practice and knows species-appropriate alternatives.
Dog hair as nesting material
– an underestimated risk
“This idea is divided again and again in social networks: exhausted dog hair as nesting material for birds,” explains Eva Lindenschmidt. “But as nice as that sounds – in practice it can even be dangerous for many bird species.”
Some wild birds use animal hair to build nest, but these are usually individual hair of wild animals that naturally occur in their habitat. These are free of residues and do not occur in large quantities – in contrast to foiled dog hairs, which often concentrate in one place.
Residues in the fur:
Invisible danger for young birds
A particularly big problem is chemical residues that can be found in the fur of pets. Many dogs are regularly treated with so-called spot-on preparations for ticks, fleas or other parasites. These funds contain insecticides that are usually harmless to adult dogs – but not for sensitive young birds.
“When birds put pesticide -polluted hair on their nest, the residues can come into contact with the sensitive skin of the chicks – or even be taken up by them,” warns Lindenschmidt. Remains of shampoos, medication or skin care products can also stick to the fur and look toxic.
The possible consequences: skin irritation, developmental disorders or, in the worst case, poisoning that can cost the youngsters life.
Risk of strangulation from long hair
Another, often underestimated risk is the physical danger that runs out of long or dense hair. Unlike in nature, where birds combine individual hair with natural materials such as moss, feathers and grass, they almost exclusively use this material in a pile of hair. This can lead to problems.
“Longer dog hair can wrap around the delicate legs, wings or claws of young birds,” explains the expert. “In the worst case, there is a strangulation or limbs – which can lead to serious injuries or even a painful death.”
Support birds
If you want to support domestic birds in the nest building, you should rely on natural, untreated materials – and pay attention to quantity and mixture. For example, are suitable:
- Short, dry blades of grass,
- Small branches and rice,
- Moos or feathers, if of course occur.
Even better: Leave part of the garden close to nature and untidy. A wilderness area with high grass, bushes and leaves not only offers fabric nesting material, but also food and retreat.
“Birds are real builders,” says Lindenschmidt. “When we offer you space and diversity, you will find what you need – without our help.”
Conclusion: hands away from dog hair in the garden
As good as it may be meant – please do not leave dog hair in nature, Eva Lindenschmidt appeals. “The desire to help is honorable, but sometimes less is more. What is intended as a loving gesture can become a trap for young birds.”