Rob_88 Posted April 1, 2005 Report Share Posted April 1, 2005 Hi I currently have a larsen trap set up with a magpie call bird in it, but I am having trouble catching anything. I regularly see a pair of magpies in the field where the trap is but no joy. Could something be wrong or am I just to impatient. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me out? Cheers Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted April 1, 2005 Report Share Posted April 1, 2005 Rob, I've found that the following points can help: * Always ensure that the call bird has two perches in his compartment so that he can hop from one to another - its the movement that attracts the others, otherwise some of them have a tendency to just sit on a single perch like a stuffed parrot. * If possible, raise the trap up by about 2 or 3 feet, i.e. on a bale, pallets or similar. Some birds have an annoying tendency to walk around and around the base of the trap, they never seem to realise that there is a door on top..!! Also, **** around the base of the trap to deter foxes, otherwise they will rip the trap and bird(s) to pieces..!! * If you've not caught within 24 hours, move the trap elsewhere, then bring it back with a new freshly caught call bird, preferably a big old aggressive cock bird, and place it as near to the maggies habitat as possible - you will almost certainly catch them both then. * ALWAYS check the trap daily, and make sure that the call bird has fresh food, (I use packets of Meaty Chunks dogfood), and clean water. Good Luck - I caught 63 in my back garden a couple of years ago - they just kept coming and coming...!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob_88 Posted April 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2005 Good Luck - I caught 63 in my back garden a couple of years ago - they just kept coming and coming...!!! Wow Good work Cheers for the help. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quercus Posted April 1, 2005 Report Share Posted April 1, 2005 In addition to the good advice above, I would try moving the trap about a bit, sometimes a move of just a few yards will make a difference. Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooke103 Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 can you use a call bird from around your area or do you have to use on from far away? i have just built a larsen trap but have yet to catch anything in it. jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Jake, A locally caught bird will still draw other locals into the trap - I don't know why, as they're very smart birds, and presumably can recognise friend from foe, but believe me, it will work. The best place to get a call bird from is a local Gamekeeper - find out where your nearest keepered Estate is, track him down and give him a bell - he will be more than happy to provide you with a bird, as they know that the more people that are actively trapping in their area, the better it is for them. If you can't get a call bird, get a pack of 6 (value) eggs from Tesco's or Asda's, (up your way, Morrisons perhaps..??), make a "nest" of straw in one of the catch compartments, put 3 eggs in it, then break an egg on top of the trap, also scatter some broken eggs around the trap to make it look as there has been a real family bust up recently, then wait up to 48 hours for your first bird. If you don't catch within 48 hours, move the trap away from the area, ideally at least 300 yards, then start again with fresh eggs on top of the trap, and you should be in luck. When you have caught a bird, put him straight into the catch compartment - you will need a pair of thick gloves to pick him up, otherwise you will get pecked..!! Make sure that the bird has two perches so it can hop around - that is what draws the others in, also it must be fed, watered and checked every day, (by law). Once you have a call bird, there is no need for any eggs in the trap, although I sometimes put one in for the call bird - some luv 'em, others completely ignore 'em..!! Rotate the call bird regularly, and elevate the trap on bales or pallets if possible, as it is less likely to be attacked by foxes if elevated. Good luck, keep us informed on how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooke103 Posted April 9, 2005 Report Share Posted April 9, 2005 thanks double H. i have put some eggs in one of the compartments as you suggested. the the other one i have put the top half of a rabbit with its eye a little popped out that was what the gamekeeper who i work for suggested. thanks. jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fert Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 try putting a mirror in the trap if you still havent got one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Fert, Damn good idea that, as it could persuade a very cautious one to go in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob_88 Posted April 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I have also been told that those disco ball things you get at christmas to put on the tree work well aswell, not tried it yetas i dont have one. I will have to put that on my christmas list this year :thumbs: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooke103 Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 i still havent got one. were would you put the mirror and wy would that help? jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fert Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 but the mirror in the catch part because they likes shiny things sun reflecting i geuss. when they come and investigate they see themselfs in the mirror and hey presto. sounds easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooke103 Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 so does it have to be a big mirror or not? jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fert Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 whatever you can get your hands on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakaris Posted April 28, 2005 Report Share Posted April 28, 2005 Hi Just got a Larson trap, read up on it here (great advice). No magpie so I put a straw nest and some chicken eggs in raised the trap off the floor, kept watch over a three-day period and bingo first magpie so thanks for your advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M ROBSON Posted April 28, 2005 Report Share Posted April 28, 2005 We've been getting dozens of Carrion Crow for the last few weeks now. One tip is to keep moving the trap around all the small woods on your ground, look for any dead trees, usualy Elm, and place the trap near them as the crows use these as vantage points when looking for songbirds returning to their nests to feed young. Each time you catch a bird replace the one in the trap with it. Good luck Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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