Sparrows taking over

[swimmer]

I go outside to the outdoor run this afternoon and a few sparrows flew out. Not sure where the snuck in, but they did. It's a covered run, but still managed to find a way. Made a huge mess of the food. The neighbors have feeders out for the wild birds, so they out in full force. Any tips on how to keep them away? Don't think a sparrow trap would work with the the number of them around. I have a five gallon galvonized feeder that I could cover, but they would still be able to eat some of the food. We just got another 20 inches of snow and it's very cold out. So I'm guessing these little guys are in the search of some good food. But not ours. Any tips???

 

[patman75]

http://www.sparrowtraps.net

I have one of these and it works great.

 

[halo]

The more you have, the better a sparrow trap will work. You just have to remove the food, and put food around the trap. I cant tell you how many Ive caught with this thing.

http://www.sparrowtraps.net/?gclid=CPb6qMLXl6YCFVBe2godamjHng

 

[HEChicken]

What about trying one of those feeders where the chickens have to stand on the bar to open it and eat? The weight of a chicken would open it but a sparrow wouldn't be able to get in.

 

[swimmer]

I really don't think trapping them would work since everyone around is feeding them. They are everywhere! I might have to look into one of those feeders. Pesky little things.

 

[LyonFuzz]

The worst part is that they carry lice and mites and then give them to your chickens......I'd like to erradicate them myself.

 

[opihiman911]

I recently had a problem with sparrows and doves eating my feed.
I ended up hanging up several old CDs up in front of the feed bucket and it kept them away. They moved up to the garage roof, so I tied a couple CDs up there. Hanging out in the papaya tree, got 3 CDs hanging in the tree.
I've got several "CD wind chimes" hanging around my coop now and it seems to keep them away.
Its a good use for all those old AOL and W98 disc you have laying around.

Cory

 

[Mattemma]

I would trap and kill.We have them all around as well,but since I have been trapping them less come into my yard.They know!

 

[gsim]

Quote:

Feed them inside of the coop. I do that all of the time and never have unwanted visitors after their food. As for treats, they disappear shortly after they leave my bucket and hit the ground!

No chance for a crow or sparrow to get even a nibble with my flock.

 

[janinepeters]

Agree with gsim -- feed inside the coop where the sparrows cannot see it.

Just to be clear: You are talking about house sparrows, correct? All other species of sparrow are native, and cannot legally be trapped and killed.