catching birds in aviary

[cordo54]

I am interested in finding out the best method of catching finches in a large planted avairy.I am aware of the seed lure traps that are available however very hard to find and was told they are illegal due to people trapping wild finches.Any ideas?

[arthur]

Finch/ bird traps are not illegal as such . .

But it is illegal to do illegal things with them e.g. taking birds from the wild

I am sure that many forum members can 'knock up ' a decent trap

One of the simplest is a rectangular 'box' made from bird mesh on a frame with a number of narrow funnel entries at the bottoms of each side (a la crab pot/ lobster pot), and a hinge door on top for bird removal

Simple to make and work like a charm

In the good old days every kid in the street could make spring door and self-setting finch traps from recycled cheese, butter, fruit boxes and straightened 'case wire' . . all cadged from local shops . . and these were put to good use on most weekends

In these days of sized pine strips and power drills all you would need is a picture (probably available on the net) and away you go

[mickw]

In these days of sized pine strips and power drills all you would need is a picture (probably available on the net) and away you go

Spot-on Arthur.....pity so many of us are lacking in olde-world Know-how....

You can also buy them from Australian Wildlife Suppliers and if you can get hold of a Queensland Finch Society Magazine, there is a regular advertisement from someone selling them and other bits & pieces........in Queensland

[GregH]

Repeating traps - A bit different to the one I had as a kid but the counterbalance principle is the same if you're a good handyman
Have a look at the American original sparrow trap
and the Aussie version

[SamDavis]

The problem with the repeating traps is you'll catch birds you don't want.
I use those wire flight cages as traps. The ones with the large front door that slides up. Here's a pic I posted some time ago (can't find the thread)

SeedTrap.JPG

I have these permanently in all my large aviaries with self feeders inside so all birds are used to going in and out regularly. The small dishes are great for grit, eggshells, etc. Attach a string to the top of the door so you can trap the desired birds from a distance. I've added an extended bit of wire above the door so the string works smoothly rather than dropping the door with a bang (and risking squishing a bird). Also I use a wire hook to ensure the door stays open when not in use as a trap. Works great, easy to clean and they also catch most of the spilt seed mess in the slide out tray.

[Simba]

You can also buy them from Australian Wildlife Suppliers and if you can get hold of a Queensland Finch Society Magazine, there is a regular advertisement from someone selling them and other bits & pieces........in Queensland

Call Dave from Murrumba Downs 0412 605 041 he builds and sells them for aviary use.

[shox]

i use exactly the same method as sam davis, no stress on chasing birds or disturbing those on nests. Also use this to catch birds when I want to ring young, dont like disturbing nests find this the best way to go.