Sparrows taking over the coop

[laughingdogfarm]

We've had a small flock of 12 for 3 years and each year I've improved the coop to keep wild nesters out - but this year the sparrows are not nesting, they are just eating, gorging is really more accurate. Plus it is the social place during the daytime which I think is affecting the hens laying. Last year I put red strips of fabric over the chicken door and I think that help - last year. But no longer.

Any other ideas?? The chicken pen is too large to cover with netting - 25'x20'

 

[rooster-red]

Want to borrow a cat?

You might try one of those fake owls and put it near the run, it might keep the sparrows away.

 

[lacyloo]

Quote:
i think the owl would scare the $hit out of the chickens.

 

[Chickee's Mom]

I have exactly the same problem, and I hate feeding sparrows....
Had to laugh at the owl, I think Chickee would be frantic if she saw an owl around her babies.
Just wish there was an answer,
anyone???
H could shoot them???
I could shoot them?!?!?!?!

 

[Poison Ivy]

Have you tried the garden netting from lowes or home depot? I have a run that is 14x80' and I use the garden netting it runs about $6 each and I use zip ties to connect the netting together. Or have you thought about hanging strips of rubber like from a cheap car floor matt over the chicken door? I wouldn't want to feed the wild birds either. Hope you find something to keep them out.

 

[Standard Hen]

It's good to hear that others have the same problem!!! I am infested with sparrows. My barn is full of them as they nest in the rafters and they are just everywhere. My chickens coops are about 40 ft from the barn. Honestly I really do not think there is anything that can be done and I have accepted that I have to feed them too. I have the netting on the top but the run is wire and they can fit nicely right through it. When I stick my head into the little coops to get the eggs they come flying out like racehorses. Also I have three cats.....lol No one seems to care.

 

[CtlisencedArborist]

#1 bringer of parasites and ticks,besides deer.Bird shot works good!:|:|

 

[laughingdogfarm]

We have 3 killer cats but they (the cats) stay away from the chicken coop/pen - I'm going to try a scare crow this week and see if that cuts them down a bit - I'm mostly worried about parisites - but not worrried enough to shoot the sparrows. I think if I put it out at night the chickens will be okay w/it in the morning...

I'll let you know...