I am a volunteer at our local nature reserve. A pair of great tits have raised a family at the bottom of a plastic tree protector. The chicks look well developed and ready to fledge. Although the agile parents seem quite able to fly up and down the tube quite easily we are very concerned the chicks won't be able to climb or fly their way two feet or more up to the top of the tree protector to get out.
We also think there is a dead chick amongst the huddle at the bottom.
We are wondering whether to cut a hole in the side of the protector near the bottom to allow them to get out, or even remove it altogether?
Thanks.