how to euthanize sparrows

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  • #24235
    Julie
    Participant

      Today I was looking thru old files and found one I saved with info on the DRST from a purple martin site. This link still works–I just used it. Check this page out: https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29434

      Go to the 3rd post, I think–it’s by terriergal. This is how I set up my trap. You might want to try the idea she suggests of jamming the elevator at first so they learn to love that seed in the bait part. I copied and pasted this info (including the pic) into a word file so I can refer back to it. Hope it helps!

      #24243
      stebet
      Participant

        Thanks so much, Julie! The post you linked to is very helpful.

        #24255
        stebet
        Participant

          We captured a male HOSP today! Would you recommend keeping him as a decoy, or would you dispose of him, and just keep waiting for a female?

          #24256
          phillyblues
          Participant

            I personally like to get the males in the grave as soon as possible. They are important to rid of during nesting season. I have had too many find their way out and I regretted ut.

            • This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by phillyblues.
            #24258
            stebet
            Participant

              Thanks, I followed your suggestion!

              #24259
              Julie
              Participant

                Congratulations!!!! So exciting. Now you know it works. Here’s to many more catches!! Remember to keep a tally somewhere…

                #24274
                stebet
                Participant

                  Thanks, Julie! Do you cover the DRST when it’s raining? Not sure how well untreated pine holds up when it gets wet.

                  I’m disappointed with my numbers so far. Just 2 HOSP caught, and 1 song sparrow that I released. Any advice on where to locate the trap? (The HOSP like to congregate in a small tree by the front door, so I placed it there. But everytime I open the door, or even just walk past a window, they flee.)

                  Also, is it possible to DM (direct message) on this forum, or is everything public? I feel like I’m cluttering up the thread with too many questions. :-)

                  • This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by stebet.
                  #24277
                  Julie
                  Participant

                    I don’t know about the direct messaging. Maybe someone else knows…Because I personally read all the DRST posts in 2016, I know you can’t really clutter a thread–there’s useful info buried. Maybe start a new thread with that as a question, then many of us will know the answer! I hate to put my email out there. I’ve been through hacks with family members, and I’d like to skip that adventure!

                    Meanwhile, you might just have your trap in a bad spot. I didn’t put it right by the neighbor’s hedge. I put it where they could see it–and where I could see it. The bait lured them in. Look around and think where you might put it where they can see it from their hideout. Or maybe there’s somewhere else they congregate? Look around. But don’t put it near any birdhouses or anywhere you don’t want to lure them.

                    Yes, I cover it during rain, when rain is called for, etc. I use a tarp folded. The wood will swell when wet, so it’ll need a day or two in the sun to get back to normal. If you’re having all this rain we are, you’ll need to definitely test the arm with the double quarters once things are dried out, just to be sure all is working right. You don’t want your decoy birds to get soaked or they can get hypothermic and die. That’s another reason I tarp mine in rain.

                    It does take time to catch them. I don’t know how long I waited. Having decoys helps a lot. Someone else might have a good idea.

                    #24278
                    stebet
                    Participant

                      Good ideas. I’ve got the DRST covered in a trash bag with a bungee cord, but it’s not quite covering the whole thing. Need to get a tarp.

                      I will look for a location where the HOSP can see it, but where I’m not seen by them. They are so skittish.

                      I made the mistake of removing a female HOSP, should have left her in there as a decoy. It seems odd that a trapped bird would entice others to go in there (!), but that seems to be what everyone recommends.

                      Thanks for the encouragement! It’s only been a week or so. Patience is everything.

                      #24280
                      phillyblues
                      Participant

                        I am having a hecknof a time catching any lately. I have a generic ground trap which has been very successful. But I think nesting season might make them less deperate. I don’t know.

                        #24286
                        stebet
                        Participant

                          Sorry to hear that you’re not not catching much lately, but glad I’m not alone…….
                          And my expectations many have been a little unrealistic. But I will persevere. The bluebirds are so worth the effort……

                          #24304
                          stebet
                          Participant

                            We saw three baby bluebirds in the BB house. Hooray! We thumbtacked a few glittery streamers to the outside of the box, and they flutter in the breeze. Seems to be keeping the HOSP away. Any other ideas to keep the little ones safe?

                            Also, regarding the DRST. The HOSP seem to be eating the millet that I place on the outside perch, but they are not venturing into the inside perch. :(
                            No catches all last week….
                            Advice is welcome….
                            Hope you are enjoying the beautiful Spring day in PA.

                            #24305
                            stebet
                            Participant

                              ….looks like I spoke too soon! Three HOSP in the trap today! Removed a male and female, and left a female in there, as a decoy.

                              Maybe the windy, cold weather was causing a lack of interest…..

                              Increase in BBs, decrease in HOSP — making the world a better place……:-)

                              #24314
                              Julie
                              Participant

                                I think the key is getting them used to thinking of it as a food source. Once they do that, they’ll hop onto the elevator, especially if you sprinkle less millet outside. I usually put a little bit on the platform just outside the elevator, knowing if they sit there, they’ll see the BIGGER pile just beyond the elevator. Some people put a mirror there, too, against the back of the bait area. I tried that but couldn’t get it to stay put. CONGRATS on starting your catching! Don’t be afraid to leave a few females in there. They’re noisy and draw others in.

                                #24319
                                stebet
                                Participant

                                  Good advice. Thanks, Julie. I’ve been placing millet on the outside perch, but the doves are going for it. So I have to replace it frequently.

                                  I’ll be sure to leave a female in there, from now on. I’d been removing them at the end of the day, up til now. I suppose you cover the trap at night, when you have a decoy in there?

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