Home › Forums › Bluebird Chatter › how to euthanize sparrows
- This topic has 63 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 8 months ago by
stebet.
-
AuthorPosts
-
May 1, 2022 at 7:04 pm #24235
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!
May 2, 2022 at 8:29 am #24243Thanks so much, Julie! The post you linked to is very helpful.
May 3, 2022 at 4:59 pm #24255We 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?
May 3, 2022 at 5:16 pm #24256I 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.
May 3, 2022 at 5:33 pm #24258Thanks, I followed your suggestion!
May 3, 2022 at 9:09 pm #24259Congratulations!!!! So exciting. Now you know it works. Here’s to many more catches!! Remember to keep a tally somewhere…
May 6, 2022 at 1:27 pm #24274Thanks, 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.
May 6, 2022 at 4:05 pm #24277I 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.
May 6, 2022 at 4:14 pm #24278Good 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.
May 6, 2022 at 5:00 pm #24280I 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.
May 7, 2022 at 3:33 pm #24286Sorry 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……May 9, 2022 at 11:03 am #24304We 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.May 9, 2022 at 12:42 pm #24305….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……:-)
May 10, 2022 at 10:14 am #24314I 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.
May 10, 2022 at 12:37 pm #24319Good 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?
-
This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.