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holly66

By Holly66

Norfolk, United Kingdom Gb

I have a Black bird's nest in my hedge. It badly needs cutting as it is encroaching on to the lawn. Does anyone know when it would be safe to cut it? I consider this a gardening question.




Answers

 

Depends whether the nest is currently occupied, you need to check. Blackbirds often have 3 broods a year, may even attempt 4. A clutch of eggs takes about 13 days to hatch, and the young will fledge after another 13-14 days, so its a case of catching the in between time when one lot's gone and another lot of eggs haven't yet been laid. Try not to disturb the nest too much when checking it or the adults may desert any eggs or young within it.

2 Jun, 2014

 

id cut up to about 10 feet of it then do as bamboo sais .

2 Jun, 2014

 

Not before end of august as far as farmers are concerned with hedge cutting
but with careful observation you may see when the birds leave the nest and not return

2 Jun, 2014

 

I'd try cutting the bottom part,so it clears the lawn but avoids disturbing the nest too much. But even then there's a danger the blackbird might desert the nest - possible worth a try though? Could you use hand shears rather than risk the noise of powered trimmers?

2 Jun, 2014

 

Leave alone 'til they've fledged, simple as that

2 Jun, 2014

 

Beware, It's actually illegal to interfere with a birds nest when they have eggs or young.

2 Jun, 2014

 

Thanks for all your comments. I am fully aware that I cannot interfere with the nest which is why the hedge hasn't been cut for years. It's not a hedge as such just a huge bush 7ft tall and 10ft long.
The nest seems to permanently occupied but I will wait until the end of August as Pamg suggests.

Thanks once again.

3 Jun, 2014

 

your welcome .

3 Jun, 2014

 

Holly, can I ask what the hedge/bush actually is?

3 Jun, 2014

 

Well Bamboo, at the moment according to the law it's a blackbirds hedge. LOL.

3 Jun, 2014

 

Bamboo, I don't know what it's called, it's not privet but it is as common as. Very tiny dark green leaves.

4 Jun, 2014

 

Sounds a bit like box?

4 Jun, 2014

 

Need a photo really...

4 Jun, 2014

 

Could be. Don't worry I am leaving it for now. Thanks.

7 Jun, 2014

How do I say thanks?

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