How to Make a Bird Trap

You can fashion a simple trap from a bird cage.

If you have lost your beloved pet bird or are having trouble with a specific bird ruining your garden, a humane bird trap is a good way to get a bird out of one space and into another. Although there are plenty of bird traps available for purchase on the market, it is quite easy to make a bird trap at home using some items from around the house. You will have to keep an eye on your trap to ensure it closes at the correct time. Once you have caught your bird, you can transfer it to another outdoor area or bring it back into your home.

Things You'll Need

• Bird or animal cage with a swinging door
• Twine
• Shallow dish
• Birdseed

Instructions

1. Place the birdcage or other animal cage on the grass with the door open, facing the sky.

2. Place a shallow dish of birdseed on top of the cage.

3. Once you see the bird you would like to trap eat from the dish and fly away, place the dish inside the trap with the door still open.

4. Tie a long piece of string to the door and stand as far away from the trap as possible while still holding the string. It is helpful to hide behind a tree or bush and remain as still as possible.

5. Once the bird has flown completely inside the cage, tug on the string. The door will close, capturing the bird.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your trap outside when you see the bird you would like to catch in your yard.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Wilderness Survival: Homemade Traps
• University of New Mexico: Danger in Bird Traps