Deluxe Repeating Sparrow Trap Information in The Bluebird Chatter Forum

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Deluxe Repeating Sparrow Trap Information

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BluebirdNut	Deluxe Repeating Sparrow Trap Information	Lead	[-]
Posts: 6626 (04/07/10 9:40 AM) Forum Admi-nut-strator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None Hey, gang, I'm going to sticky this topic because the DRST is such a great tool, both for Bluebirders, and others. Feel free to post your tips, suggestions, and experiences in using the DRST. If you're new to this forum and wish to ask a question, just click the "signup" button above, if you don't already have a Yuku user account. You will be taken to the signup page where you can create your own free user account for posting here at the Cafe. If you would prefer to create a "Universal" Yuku account - one that can be used for posting on ANY Yuku forum - please sign up from the Yuku home page. We'll do our best to answer your questions. You may also want to review the Forum posting guidelines, especially if you wish to post elsewhere on the forum. ~ Central NY BluebirdNut.com - Bluebird Information, Education and Awareness Bluebird Nut Cafe - Bluebird Discussion Forum TMB Studios Bluebird Shop - Bluebird-Friendly and Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios' Cafepress Shop - Custom Designed Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios - Graphic design, Web design, Photography, and more
hornagain		#1	[-]
Posts: 7 (04/07/10 10:45 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Bought one this year for the first time. Caught 4 finches and one male HOSP so far. I assume it is effective but it is hard to tell because I can't get the HOSP to even eat the seed set out for them. They are too busy terrorizing by BB's, fighting with each other, etc. I guess. I do have a question for those that have one....did you paint yours to help make it last longer?
BluebirdNut		#2	[-]
Posts: 6630 (04/07/10 11:19 AM) Forum Admi-nut-strator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Have you tried using feathers for bait, instead of seed? This time of year, that might be a real draw. What about elevating the trap off the ground a little bit? On top of a planter, or an old bench, or something else you don't treasure, as the birds will certainly "paint" whatever it is the trap is sitting on. I've never considered painting the trap, and it's lasted for years. If you do decide to paint the frame, I wouldn't paint the elevator, as that can throw off the weight. And the elevators are already treated to keep out moisture. ~ Central NY BluebirdNut.com - Bluebird Information, Education and Awareness Bluebird Nut Cafe - Bluebird Discussion Forum TMB Studios Bluebird Shop - Bluebird-Friendly and Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios' Cafepress Shop - Custom Designed Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios - Graphic design, Web design, Photography, and more
Countrygirl		#3	[-]
Posts: 104 (04/07/10 7:45 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I just ordered one and usually things from the U.S take 10 days or so, although I was required to pay a lot for shipping so maybe it wont take that long. At any rate, it should arrive next week sometime and it will be my first experiences with it. I hope I dont catch finches!
tamsea		#4	[-]
Moderator Posts: 6507 (04/07/10 9:40 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Cher, I'm sure you are right about not needing to paint the arm because it is already treated but the arms of my two DRST's get waterlogged when it rains and so during and after the rain the arm stays down until it dries out. Right now it is pouring out. The one I sprayed with deck spray in the fall is fine. The one I never got a chance to spraying is waterlogged and the arm is at the bottom. So I do spray mine and I just spray the whole thing. hornagain, are you keeping a decoy in the trap? Keep at least one HOSP in there and reach in and take the "good" birds out. I keep mine with the opening close to a wooden split rail fence. The HOSP sit on the fence and see the birds and the seed and then go to investigate. Some people have tried a mirror that goes in the seed compartment. I haven't tried that yet, but I have a small mirror that I'm going to put in there. I sprinkle some seed on the top of the trap and on the ledge right before they go in to lure them in. Courtney, I'm sorry to tell you that you will catch house finches and maybe some good sparrows. I've even caught a cardinal, cowbirds, and a bluebird before, and if I remember right, a downy. You have to check it continually. Never go out of town without disabling it first. Tammy NW, Ohio
BluebirdNut		#5	[-]
Posts: 6631 (04/09/10 2:22 PM) Forum Admi-nut-strator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tammy, if you've had the trap for a few years, then the treatment that Blaine uses when he manufactures the trap may have worn off. In that case, treating it again, then making sure the elevator arm is adjusted properly, would make sense. ~ Central NY BluebirdNut.com - Bluebird Information, Education and Awareness Bluebird Nut Cafe - Bluebird Discussion Forum TMB Studios Bluebird Shop - Bluebird-Friendly and Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios' Cafepress Shop - Custom Designed Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios - Graphic design, Web design, Photography, and more Last Edited By: BluebirdNut 04/09/10 2:28 PM. Edited 1 times.
pgrfw		#6	[-]
Posts: 101 (04/16/10 6:53 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I put linseed oil on mine. It provides good water resistance, and it's non-toxic. I'm never quite sure about anything else. But for those playing along at home, I've never had much success with my DRST. I've probably caught more chipping sparrows than HOSP with it, and not much of either. We seem to have a higher IQ class of ratbird here in the dumbest city in America.
hornagain		#7	[-]
Posts: 13 (04/19/10 7:14 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Two more males caught today. If they don't kill each other (they are trying) I'll keep them in there with food and water for another 24 hours in hopes of attracting more.
BluebirdNut		#8	[-]
Posts: 6643 (04/23/10 12:24 PM) Forum Admi-nut-strator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I caught seven in a 24-hour period a couple of weeks ago, and that was without elevating the trap or doing anything special. My DRST works like a charm. ~ Central NY BluebirdNut.com - Bluebird Information, Education and Awareness Bluebird Nut Cafe - Bluebird Discussion Forum TMB Studios Bluebird Shop - Bluebird-Friendly and Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios' Cafepress Shop - Custom Designed Bluebird Themed Merchandise TMB Studios - Graphic design, Web design, Photography, and more
RikkiRocket		#9	[-]
Posts: 24 (05/05/10 12:32 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I've only caught HOSPS in my DRST by first putting decoys in it that I caught with a Van Ert in box trap. I now have four HOSPS (3 male / 1 female) in my DRST (2 caught from Van Ert + 2 caught from DRST). This seems to be a good number of decoys since they are now pretty calm. They've been in there 2.5 weeks now, giving them food/water and checking daily. However, if I do catch any more females, I would probably get rid of the males and leave 2+ females in there since they are less aggressive and attract males + females. Rikki Brighton, MI
tamsea		#10	[-]
Moderator Posts: 6829 (05/05/10 3:16 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Isn't it great. I love mine too. I keep a few decoys in there too. I think they live longer with company. Tammy NW, Ohio
Betts		#11	[-]
Posts: 5 (05/12/10 10:47 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hi Cher, I have a question about the bluebird feeder you sell, with the blue glass bowl in the center of the 'cage'. It says it deters larger birds. But is there any way to keep HOSP from eating the mealworms? Thanks, Betts
tamsea		#12	[-]
Moderator Posts: 6945 (05/13/10 7:21 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I'll answer Bett. The answer is no. Oh I wish it did!! For quite awhile the HOSP didn't find that feeder but not they know where it is and I have to stand by the door and shoo them away. But at least I don't have to watch the Robin stuffing his beak with 15 mealworms!!! Or my many blackbirds eating them all. Tammy NW, Ohio
splark	Hello and DRST elevator problem	#13	[-]
Posts: 1 (05/26/10 8:21 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello all! I've just joined this forum and I need some help and advice. I have just started with the DRST and after two rains, the elevator arm now rests below the seed tray. Is there a way to readjust the arm so that it will be equal to the seed tray? The trap was successful before this and since the arm has dropped, no birds will go near it. My BBs are ready for their second nesting and the HOSPs are around. There is a group of immatures that are around and they are not going near the trap. I'd appreciate any advice! thanks in advance. Steve Columbus, NJ
tamsea		#14	[-]
Moderator Posts: 7052 (05/26/10 9:11 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Steve. It sometimes get water logged. Or the bolt at the end of the arm loosens. On the other side of the seed tray is a mesh wire flap that you can open and close. Open that up and loosen that bolt and slide the hardware (I'm mechanically challenged so don't know the terms to use.) either to the right or to the left. I can't remember which way. Then test it by putting two quarters on the arm. "A quick dead drop with no bounce is optimal with a relatively fast return to set condition." Then tighten the bolt at that place. Either rain has water logged it or the bolt has loosened and caused this to happen. When its rains, I spray the trap with a clear deck type protectant and it does much better for me. I have 2 traps and one I've resprayed and it stays put. The other one messes up after a hard rain so I need to respray that one too. Tammy NW, Ohio
tc1761		#15	[-]
Posts: 394 (05/26/10 10:08 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Yep Tammy is right, once it dries out it will go back to normal though Travis York, PA My Photos
CC	What do you do with sparrows after trapping?	#16	[-]
Posts: 1 (05/26/10 12:32 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I am considering getting one of these traps, since the sound deterrents don't seem to be effective. A rather naive question - what do you do with the sparrows after trapping, besides keeping a few in there to attract others?
dogsandbirds		#17	[-]
Moderator Posts: 4472 (05/26/10 12:57 PM) Middle Name "Guarded" Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	CC, some people have raptor rehab centers that will accept house sparrows. Others are faced with humane disposal of them. The most important thing is to be sure you have trapped only HOSP before taking any measures. Gin Atlanta, GA
Betts	no luck with DRST!	#18	[-]
Posts: 29 (05/29/10 11:05 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Well, after catching 2 HOWR and then 1 female HOSP (who died of a head injury - maybe trying to escape?) I have had no more luck with the DRST. And we just have tons of them flying about the yard between 2 forsythia hedges and a pear tree and on the deck. They're everywhere! chirp chirp chirp... There is an old nest box on a post next to the pear tree and I've seen both male & female going in and out of this box. It doesn't open, so I can't use a Van Ert on it, unfortunately. I've put the DRST near this post, first up on a green box and more recently I've put it on the ground. I've put a cup of millet inside, plus more on the inner ledge and outer perch ledge, plus some feathers from the last HOSP... I would think that from the sheer number of HOSP that I'd trap one! Any suggestions? BBs & TRES eggs are incubating. Wren guards & sparrow spookers and attentive parents seem to be keeping all safe - and those boxes are out in the field. Most HOSP action seems to be closer in towards the house. I'd just feel better if I was reducing the number of invaders...
tamsea		#19	[-]
Moderator Posts: 7085 (05/30/10 7:24 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Betts, you aren't alone in having this problem initially, but sooner or later you will start catching them. It's a slim year for me too. I just keep trying different things. Have you tried putting it on the ground (or slightly raised) between or right up to the forsythia shrubs? I have caught a lot from putting it with the opening right up to my knock out rose bushes. I just keep mine on the ground, even though it is recommended that you raise it. Another suggestion is put it near a fence where you see HOSP perching. They can sit on the fence and look down on the yummy food in the trap. It takes forever to get the first one so you can use it as a decoy. I've only used millet, but you may want to try bread crumbs or other foods too. Some people glue a little mirror to the back of the feed tray but I've never done that. Just keep trying. Tammy NW, Ohio
Betts	success	#20	[-]
Posts: 30 (05/31/10 6:43 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tammy - thanks for the suggestions - I moved the DRST again, this time next to my garden fence where the HOSP sit on the posts. I've got a male & female in there now, going crazy. Hoping more of their gang join them. Now our puppy is overly interested in the trap and I've got to figure that out.... Do you cover the trap at night to keep predators away and/or to protect them from storms? We've got one predicted for tonight.