How to Build a Sparrow Trap
Detailed instructions on how to build a sparrow trap that is effective and easy to make.
Sparrows are definitely wonderful birds but they can become annoying when they decide to take up residence in a location that you aren’t fond of. A sparrow trap is a simple yet highly effective way that you can take care of the situation before it gets out of control. They are simple to make too so you don’t need any special skills. The tools you have at home or your business should also suffice for accomplishing the work.
Decide on the type of wood you would like to use for the frame of the sparrow trap. You want to use something that is at least ½” thick. You should also consider something that is light, durable, and easy to work with. Some ideas include cedar and plywood. The frame needs to be 18” in length, 10” tall, and 5 ½” wide.
You are going to need a large sized plastic jug that has been cleaned out thoroughly. One that bulk condiments come in works very well. You want to cut a middle section out of it that is about 5 ¼”. Note that it needs to be very close to the 5 ½” width of the frame but not the same as it. You should paint it black so that at night it will blend in well. If the surface is too shiny the sparrows will avoid it. What you are going to be creating here is called a counter balance.
Take a 12” long board that is ½’ thick and 1 ¼” wide. It doesn’t matter what type of wood that it is made from but you do want to try to use something light. One on end of it you want to use two screws and secure the plastic part you cut from the jug in place. On the other end you want to secure an empty film canister. If you don’t have one go to your local photo lab and ask if you can have one for free.
Install a pivot bracket about three inches from the film canister. Secure it in place so that the film canister and the plastic piece are able to teeter back and forth on it freely. If you aren’t getting the complete range of motion it could be due to the film canister being too light. You can fill it up as you need to with rocks or small bb’s. It can take some to get right balance here to be patient.
Now you are ready to create a door for the frame. You want to drill a very small hole into the opening, just enough for a sparrow to go inside of it. When they do, they will go into the plastic part. Put a small lip for them to perch upon too. Sparrows are curious and this will give them a place to sit before they go inside of the trap. Make sure you check it often so that the sparrows can be released somewhere else and get the food they need for survival.
