The Importance of a Chimney Cap
I cannot tell you the number of times I have been called because an animal or bird is in a fireplace or is heard above the damper. The simple truth is that a chimney cap can save your life and prevent unwanted wildlife problems.
When people think of a chimney cap they often only think of it in respect to a fireplace. Every house has a furnace. Every chimney and every furnace should have a chimney cap. Barred Owls like to nest in a cavity of a tree, and a chimney is a cavity to them. Birds build nests inside of the chimney, blocking air, which will cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home and can cause the death of you and your family. The nest can also catch fire. Raccoon and birds can and do go down that furnace chimney and can escape into your home. A raccoon will often nest in your duct work.
The Danger of Fireplaces Without a Chimney Cap
When it comes to the fireplace, this is another issue. I just had a situation where, on Easter Sunday, a family started a fire in their fireplace. Before they knew it, a Barred Owl came down past the damper, right into the fire. The screen was not closed and the owl came out of the fireplace with his tail on fire. The homeowner was able to catch the bird before it could start a fire in the house. The bird had his tail feathers destroyed, his wings were singed and he suffered smoke inhalation, plus his eyes were affected (see attached photos).
The owl was brought to Operation Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation on Sunday and on Monday morning, was taken to the veterinarian. I spoke with the doctor this morning (Tuesday) and this beautiful bird is not out of trouble yet. He is on medication and at this point we can only hope for a good outcome.
Chimney caps are not expensive and can both save your life, save you money and a lot of grief. The animals such as raccoon, squirrel and some birds such as owls, hawks, chimney swifts, wood ducks and mallards will nest on the smoke shelf. Bats like chimneys as well.
Think about this as well.
When an animal is nesting in your chimney, they are urinating and defecating in that chimney. This can be a health issue. If it is a raccoon and it comes past your damper and gets into your living quarters, it can cause a lot of damage.
A Rain Bonnet Does Not Keep Animals Out
Be sure when buying a chimney cap that you are NOT buying a “Rain Bonnet.” A rain bonnet does not keep animals out – only the rain. By putting a chimney cap on both your furnace and your fireplace chimney, you are being proactive at preventing a wildlife problem.
Today, if an animal gets into your home, it is considered a nuisance and it must be put down. PLEASE DO YOUR PART TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND THE WILDLIFE THAT YOU SHARE THIS WORLD WITH.
Copyright 2018 Fran Kitchen
Operation Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization and does not receive federal funding. We are supported entirely through private donations, memberships, and proceeds from our education programs. To Donate visit our website at: www.operationorphanwildlife.com
