Birds eating bricks (1 Viewer)

[rogermh]

Any idea what birds could be causing this damage? 2 inch chunks of brick have been pecked out. It happens very early in the morning and I haven't seen them. I suspect parakeets as we are in South London. Any solutions also welcome! many thanks

 

[delia todd]

Hi Roger and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

I've moved your post to a more suitable forum (Bird Behaviour) and subscribed you to the thread so you can find it easily.

I doubt the birds initially caused this damage, but rather they've taken advantage and are maybe looking for the minerals that are contained within the brick.

But I'm sure others will have some ideas for you.

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy your time here with us.

 

[Nutcracker]

Parakeets wouldn't surprise me - brick is baked clay, and parrots in general are well-known for eating clay (google pics). Apparently it helps with digestion by binding toxins in some of the seeds they eat.

 

[ChrisKten]

Just get up before dawn and catch them at it At least you'll know who it is (though Parakeets is a good guess). Afterwards, check there's nothing in the crevice (no nest inside out of sight, which is unlikely by the looks of it), then fill in the hole with cement or chip it out and replace the brick.

I wouldn't leave it until the crevice becomes an entry point into the house... Mice can easily climb up walls