Easy to Make Bird Trap for Small Birds

Make a simple bird trap with household items in a couple of minutes. These two traps are great solutions in a pinch when you need to quickly catch an escaped pet bird before it flies off. Although these rudimentary traps are effective, they do require your presence and are not suitable for catching elusive bird species. Some bird species are protected and may not be trapped, so check with your local wildlife authority before trapping wild birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Small box
  • Craft knife
  • Stick, 12 inches long
  • String
  • Bait
  • OR
  • Birdcage
  • Seed
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Instructions

  1. Box Trap

    • 1

      Use the craft knife to cut the top of the box. Place the box (open side down) in the yard near where you last saw the bird. Sprinkle a little bird seed, bread or other treats that this particular species of bird is attracted to around the box. .Put a lot of bird seed or other bait under the box to lure the bird in.

    • 2

      Tie the string to the middle of a stick. Use a long stick, about 12 inches, so that the bird has plenty of room to get under the box. Use the stick to prop up one end of the box.

    • 3

      Unwind the string until you find a place nearby to wait. It is best if you are able to conceal yourself behind a bush or wall. Keep an eye on the trap and, when the bird comes down to feed, wait until it enters the trap. Pull the string and the box will fall down and trap the bird.

    Birdcage Trap

    • 4

      Lay the birdcage on its back near where you last saw the bird.

    • 5

      Open the door of the bird cage and place treats or a bowl of seed on top of the cage. You don't need to watch the cage at this stage. Allow the bird to get accustomed to eating from the top of the bird cage.

    • 6

      Place the food inside the cage. Tie a string to the door of the cage and unwind the string until you are a safe distance from the cage. Wait in a concealed location, holding the string. When the bird enters the cage to eat the food, pull the string to close the cage door.