Are Sparrows a Threat?

[Lunachick]

This will sound lame after reading about hawks and coons, but lately when I open their run to let my huge flock of two chickens out ( I leave the door open of the run so they can safely run back in if need be) I noticed a flock of about 10 sparrows in the run hanging around and trying to get at the feed I have in there. Besides keeping the door to the run completely closed when the chooks are out, does anyone have an idea to deter the sparrows? They are leaving their poop all over the run, and I think this is a bad (disease) idea.

 

[1acrefarm]

I would try to deter the sparrows. Their poop could do something undesirable to your birds. It will also be an extra cleanup issue. You are losing expensive feed due to them too. I have had some issues with sparrows damaging my cornice nesting in my roof as well.

 

[Lunachick]

thanks - I agree, how would you deter them?

 

[1acrefarm]

Many people would not agree with my method but it is effective. A bb-gun has always worked for me. Sorry but that is the only method I know.

 

[Lunachick]

Well, that's OK for you, I couldn't do it. But you got me thinking - I'm a mush so I think I'll hang my shiny CDs in front of the run door and see if that works. I hope I don't have to come back here later and ask you where you get your BB gun!

 

[1acrefarm]

That may work I have never tried it. I bet my house would look funny with cds hanging under all the eaves.

Good luck and I am glad you are seeking a friendlier method.

 

[gritsar]

I posted this once and either it simply disappeared or I posted it in the wrong place.
Luna, I have a few suggestions, but not being able to actually see your coop and run they are kinda general suggestons.

You can try draping the run (if that's where the sparrows are getting in) with something called deer netting. It's sold at garden centers, etc and designed to keep deer from eating ornamental plants in landscaping. Overlaying with a smaller wire than chicken wire may also help. They also sell a kind of drape that is meant to be used by draping it over the top of small fruit trees to keep birds from stealing all the fruit.

I understand your concern about sparrows carrying viruses, bacteria, etc. I would contact my local agricultural extension office or even a hatchery and ask them if there is a threat.

Blessings, Kat