Crushing Bird Nests in OSRS: A Complete Guide to Profits and Methods
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers countless ways to make gold, and one often-overlooked method is crushing bird nests. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crushing bird nests in OSRS, from gathering them to turning them into profit. With the right approach, this low-effort activity can become a steady income stream. Let’s dive into the details and explore how you can make the most of this unique opportunity.
Bird nests are items that drop while training certain skills or engaging in specific activities in OSRS. They come in various forms, such as nests containing seeds, rings, or eggs, but the focus here is on empty bird nests and their crushed form. Crushing these nests with a pestle and mortar creates crushed nests, a key ingredient in Saradomin brews, which are widely used in combat and Herblore training.
Types of Bird Nests
Before you start crushing, it’s important to understand the types of bird nests you might encounter:
- Empty Bird Nests: The base item you’ll need for crushing.
- Seed Nests: Contain tree or fruit seeds; empty them to get an empty nest.
- Ring Nests: Contain rings like gold or sapphire; empty for an empty nest.
- Egg Nests: Contain bird eggs; empty these as well.
Why Crush Bird Nests?
Crushing bird nests is profitable because the process yields no Herblore experience, making it tedious for many players. As a result, crushed nests are in high demand on the Grand Exchange, especially for those training Herblore or preparing for combat. This creates a niche market where you can buy empty nests, crush them, and sell the result for a profit.
How to Obtain Bird Nests in OSRS
Gathering bird nests is the first step to profiting from crushing them. Fortunately, there are several methods to collect them efficiently, depending on your playstyle and skill levels.
Woodcutting Method
Chopping trees while training Woodcutting has a chance to drop bird nests. The higher the tree’s level requirement, the better your odds. For example:
- Magic Trees: High drop rate, great for high-level woodcutters.
- Yew Trees: Decent rate, more accessible for mid-level players.
Wearing a strung rabbit foot increases your chances of getting ring or egg nests instead of empty ones, so consider your goals before equipping it.
Birdhouse Trapping
Birdhouse trapping on Fossil Island is one of the best passive methods for gathering nests. Set up birdhouses using logs and seeds, then check them every 50 minutes. Each run can yield up to 10 nests, with a 65/100 chance of getting an empty nest per roll (60/95 with a rabbit foot). This method scales well with Hunter levels and is highly efficient.
Mole Hunting
Trading mole claws and skins to Wyson the Gardener in Falador Park can reward empty nests. This method suits players already hunting the Giant Mole for other loot, offering a steady nest supply as a bonus.
Crushing Bird Nests: Step-by-Step Process
Once you’ve gathered your nests, it’s time to crush them. The process is simple but requires some preparation to maximize efficiency and profit.
Tools You’ll Need
You only need two items to get started:
- Pestle and Mortar: Purchase from a general store or Herblore shop for a few coins.
- Empty Bird Nests: Obtained from the methods above or bought on the Grand Exchange.
How to Crush Nests
Follow these steps to turn empty nests into crushed nests:
- Ensure your inventory has both a pestle and mortar and empty nests.
- Click the pestle and mortar, then select an empty nest to crush it.
- Repeat manually, or use Wesley in Nardah to crush multiple nests for 50 coins each (noted or unnoted).
Wesley’s service is a time-saver if you’re processing large quantities, though it cuts into profits slightly.
Profit Calculation Example
Here’s a quick breakdown of potential profits based on Grand Exchange prices (as of April 08, 2025):
| Item | Buy Price (GP) | Sell Price (GP){th> | Profit per Nest (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty Bird Nest | 5,000 | – | – |
| Crushed Nest | – | 6,000 | 1,000 |
Note: Prices fluctuate, so test the market with a small batch first.
Maximizing Profits from Crushed Nests
Turning a profit requires more than just crushing nests—you need a strategy to keep costs low and sales high.
Buy Low, Sell High
Monitor Grand Exchange prices daily. Buy empty nests when prices dip below average, and sell crushed nests during peak demand (e.g., when players are stocking up for bossing events). Use the GE’s price tracker to time your trades.
Scale Up with Birdhouses
Invest in birdhouse runs to gather nests passively. With 99 Hunter and optimal setups, you can collect hundreds of nests weekly, reducing reliance on GE purchases and boosting margins.
Avoid Over-Saturation
If too many players flood the market with crushed nests, prices may drop. Diversify your money-making methods—like flipping other items or training skills—to stay flexible.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are some final pointers to make your bird nest crushing venture a success:
Optimize Inventory Management
Keep your pestle and mortar in your inventory and bank excess nests to avoid clutter. If using Wesley, bring noted nests to save trips.
Use During Downtime
Crush nests while waiting for birdhouse timers or during AFK activities like fishing. It’s a low-attention task that pairs well with multitasking.
Track Your Progress
Log your profits and nest collection rates in a spreadsheet. This helps you refine your approach and spot trends in GE pricing.
Crushing bird nests in OSRS might not be the flashiest money-making method, but its simplicity and steady returns make it a hidden gem. Whether you’re chopping trees, running birdhouses, or trading with Wyson, the nests you gather can turn into a reliable gold pile with minimal effort. Start small, test the market, and scale up as you get comfortable. Happy crushing, and may your profits soar!