How to Build a Live Trap for Birds
- 1). Cut the slats of the trap from the 1 x 1 stick. Cut eight 12-inch long sticks, four 10-inch long sticks, four 8-inch long sticks and four 6-inch long sticks.
- 2). Position two 12-inch sticks on a flat surface, with their outer edges 12 inches apart, and place two additional sticks atop them at opposite ends of the bottom sticks and secure with nails. When viewed from above, you will have a square shape.
- 3). Add the third layer to the trap by placing two more 12-inch sticks directly over the first layer, and nail them in place.
- 4). Add the fourth layer by orienting the remaining two 12-inch sticks parallel with the second layer, but one inch in from either end of the third layer, so their outer edges are 10 inches apart, and nail in place.
- 5). Add the first layer of 10-inch sticks perpendicular to the final 12-inch layer, and one inch in from either end of the 12-inch sticks, so the outer edges of the sticks are 10 inches apart.
- 6). Nail the remaining 10-inch sticks perpendicular to the first 10-inch layer, and one inch in on either end, so the outer edges of the sticks are eight inches apart.
- 7). Nail the two eight-inch layers down, following the same pattern as the 10-inch layers. The top eight-inch layer will have sticks with outer edges six inches apart.
- 8). Nail the four six-inch long sticks atop the top eight-inch layer, starting one half from one end of the parallel eight-inch sticks, and with one inch between the six-inch sticks. The four sticks will close off the opening in the top of the trap like prison bars.
- 9). Split the end of one twig and place the stem of the berries in the split, so they hang from the twig.
- 10
Prop the trap up by placing the end of the baited twig which does not have the split between one end of the remaining twig and the rim of the trap, and the other end of the unbaited twig on the ground. When a bird nips the berries, the baited twig will be pulled free, causing the other twig to fall, and the trap to no longer be propped up, allowing it to fall on the bird.
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