Vets say not to leave hair out for nesting birds

Vets have advised islanders not to leave groomed pet hair out for birds to use as nesting material because of a potential issue with anti-parasite medicine.

The States veterinary officer said some recently published evidence suggested fur-lined nests could expose birds to chemicals such as those found in anti-parasitic treatments.

They also advised islanders not to leave out human hair, as if birds used it to make nests it could entangle them and hair products could poison them.

Residents should put both pet and human hair in their general rubbish bags, they added.

The veterinary officer said: "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."

Islanders should instead leave out natural fibres and plant materials in a hanging basket or nearby bush so it is easy for birds to collect material quickly and safely, they added.

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