Wildlife-safe bird netting

Short answer: birds get tangled in loose, saggy netting. Keep the net tight, ideally on a frame, close the gaps at the bottom, check it every day or two, and take it off after harvest.

How to set up a net safely

• Keep it taut. A net pulled tight over a frame, hoops or poles is much safer than a net draped loosely over a plant.
• Close the bottom. Peg or weigh down the edges so birds cannot get in underneath and then panic trying to get out.
• Make it easy to see. White netting is easier for birds to see than black.
• Do not leave spare net lying around. Fold up loose ends and offcuts.
• Take it off after harvest and store it, rather than leaving it on all year.

Check it often

Walk around your nets every day or two, especially in the early morning, and look along the bottom edge and the corners.

If a bird is caught

1. Stay calm and work quickly. A towel over the bird helps keep it calm.
2. Hold the bird gently and cut the net away with small scissors rather than pulling – pulling can injure legs and wings. A cut net is easy to repair.
3. If the bird is injured, keep it in a dark, ventilated box and contact a vet or a local bird rescue. Most native birds in New Zealand are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953; the Department of Conservation (0800 362 468) can advise.

See also: how to net a fruit tree and our FAQ.

Not sure what you need? Call us on 021 074 5789 or email nzbirdnetting@gmail.com – we are happy to help, whatever net you use.