How to Trap a Crow

Trapping is not the best method for dealing with problem crows.

Crows are predators of nestlings and eggs of other birds and have even been known to kill small livestock like baby lambs by pecking the animal's eyes out. Crows can also damage agricultural crops such as sprouting corn, apples and pecans, although crow crop damage is usually minor and localized. Although using decoy foods, frightening devices and crow netting are recommended over trapping to eliminate problem crows, there are a couple method you can use to trap crows.

Things You'll Need

• No. 0 or No.1 steel traps with jaws wrapped in rubber or cloth
• Nest with dummy eggs
• Australian crow trap
• Meat and eggs
• Whole kernel corn
• Poultry feed
• Watermelon

Instructions

1. Wrap the jaws of a No. 0 or No. 1 steel trap with rubber or cloth to prevent injury to the crow.

2. Place the traps in areas frequented by crows. Bait the traps using a nest with dummy eggs to attract the crows.

3. Check the traps at least twice daily.

4. Use the crows captured as bait in an Australian crow trap. Crows will enter a crow trap more readily if other crows are already in it. Another crow has proved more effective as bait than food in a crow trap. This is the best method for trapping large numbers of crows.

5. Bait the trap with meat or eggs. Place the bait under the ladder portion of the trap. Whole kernel corn, poultry feed and watermelon may be used instead in areas where meat may attract other animals such as coyotes or feral dogs.

6. Provide water in the trap for captured birds.

7. Place the trap in an area where crows congregate and leave it for at least 24 hours before returning to check for captured crows.

8. Check the trap daily and humanely euthanize all but a few captured crows. Remove crows from the trap in the evening when they are calm and more easily handled. Carbon dioxide exposure or cervical dislocation are the recommended methods for euthanasia. Keep about five crows to attract more crows to the trap.

9. Release any non-target birds that have been inadvertently trapped immediately.

10. Replenish or replace any bait that has lost a fresh appearance. Keep water available at all times.

References

• Extension; Crow Damage Management; Feb. 5, 2008
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management: Crow Control and Management

Resources

• Crowbusters: Popowski's Crow Trap
• Rutgers University: Crow Trap Dimensions