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Hi David (and any others interested in trapping),
I recommend the Van Ert trap, which is available online, about $4.95. You can install the mounting screws inside the box at the beginning of the season, or whenever it is empty (difficult to trap with a nest in place as it blocks the springing.) I didn’t need a drill, did it with an awl and I’m not even handy. When you know you have a sparrow problem (i.e., male sparrow on top of the box chirping) you pop in the trap. Best time is morning, 10-12ish. You want to catch the male since he is the one who “attaches” to the box.
The trap does not kill the bird. A big orange dot visible inside the hole will tell you the trap has sprung.
Here’s my method: I drop a large, clear plastic bag over the top of the box (clear so I’m always sure I didn’t trap a native bird by mistake.) I loosen whatever holds the door to the box closed, but don’t open the door yet. I cinch the bag around the pole towards the bottom, well below the box, with a long shoelace. Then, I open the door carefully and the bird will fly out and in a few seconds, settle towards the bottom of the bag. Then, I take another lace and trap him in a small space, [edited for content] I never have to touch the bird *
As I mentioned, I’m pretty much of a whimp so if I can do it, anyone can learn. I started when I found dead birds in my boxes and I couldn’t stand it anymore.
Any questions, I am happy to answer.
*edited for content to comply with forum guidelines.
Lots of us have Van Ert traps. I have two and they are one of the best purchases I have ever made. People with more than a couple of HOSP need repeating traps too.
Gin
Atlanta, GAHi Everyone,
I need some help.
I have rescued a baby blue bird in North Georgia who has a bad claw & wing.
I have not had a single response from rehabbers in either my home state or TN.
He has been thriving on mealworms for the past 3 weeks, but appears to be feeling unwell today.
Any other supplment I can give him for his diet????Gwen, I found a recipe for you on our old forum. This is the link to the thread: http://bluebirdnutcafe.yuku.com/topic/859/Sick-injured-abandoned-bird-Emergency-Care-Instructions#.V7TZ04-cHIU
1 cup high quality kitten kibble. WalMart’s Maxximum is very good. Iams is also good. Soaked in 1 cup warm water until the water is absorbed and the kibble is no longer crunchy.
Two hard cooked egg whites – no yolk – chopped
The number of calcium carbonate tablets plus vitamin D that will equal 1800-2000mg. calcium, crush the tablets up. – probably 3 or 4
Put all of this into a blender. You should end up with something that looks like thin Dijon mustard.There is also a thread on finding rehab. http://bluebirdnutcafe.yuku.com/topic/860/Locating-a-Wildlife-Rehabber-How-and-When#.V7TaCo-cHIU
Those pages are full of ads now but maybe something will be helpful. So sorry.
Gin
Atlanta, GASky, you made me curious. I’m wondering whether I’ve heard of it before or if it’s new. I’d like to here what method you use. Can you personal message me? Or maybe I’ll start the pm.
Tammy
Thanks so much, he’s doing much better, but this gives me so many other options. I know that he needs some calcium so the egg & calcium carbonate tablets are a good idea. I had read about giving him crushed chicken egg shells, but can’t imagine being able to get him to swallow.
I’ve switched him to dried mealworms during the day (mixed with a little water to moisten them up), but he’s gotten constipated a couple of times. a mild solution of water, sugar & salt does the trick everytime.
To this day, only one rehabber even bothered to email me back and said they didn’t have room.
Looks like I have a pet anyway. Loves to ride on our shoulders and sleeps in my ponytail. Amazing how quickly you get used to bird crap, but my sani-wipes budget is over the top!Hello everyone! My name is Darrell and I live in suburbs of Kansas City,Missouri, and had a beautiful bird sanctuary in my yard until the house sparrows took over. My ignorance helped to create a huge flock of the little terrorists. I have declared war though!
Was wondering if anyone had experience using a mist net to capture sparrows? If so I would value any advice
I have a DRST and several other traps but still have a large flock to deal with
Thanks
DarrellWelcome, Darrell! Aren’t HOSP the worst? I don’t have experience with a mist net but it sounds like a very good idea. You could catch most of a whole flock at once with any luck.
Gin
Atlanta, GAHello fellow bluebird lovers. Kathy here–used to be known as griffin md on the old forum. Haven’t posted here in a long while but am still very involved with our blue friends. I monitored about 80 nestboxes this past nesting season. Hope to become reacquainted with some old friends and to meet some new ones as well!
Hi, Kathy. Welcome back!!! It isn’t very busy over here yet. Maybe it will pick up in the spring. A lot of the previous members have not found their way here.
Tammy
Hi Kathy! I am new to the site-wish I would have found it sooner! Looking forward to your input!
Gin what kind of dogs do you have?
I have a blue heeler and a bh/border collie mix
DarrellDarrell, I don’t have a dog right now. I lost the dog of my lifetime a few years ago and I’m not all that interested in getting another. Bet you understand that. He was a Chow-Sheltie mix. BEST DOG I EVER HAD.
Going by the breeds of yours, they are very busy doggies! Do they have jobs?
Gin
Atlanta, GAThey would love to herd some sheep but there aren’t any around. Their main job is being my wife’s shadow! Sorry for your loss. Maybe someday you will be ready for another one.
Darrell
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