KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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Hello to every one,
I have been a clay pigeon shooter for many year's.
I live in a town with a garden with many tree's and large bushes so have my neighbours,We are having trouble with magpies clearing out nest's of other bird's what can i do to get rid of these pests, As i think they are a big problem with the decline of song birds, I have not seen a blue tit so far this year in my garden.
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sandersj89
stranger
Reged: 26/01/2007
Posts: 148
Loc: Sussex or Devon
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In an urban setting you have 2 options, larsen trap or an air rifle.
If it is safe and legal to use an air rifle, have a look at BASC for details, then it can be a good way to control them.
A larson trap can also work very very well but you have to be comfortable with the dispatch of the magpies.
Good luck what ever you do, magpies take a huge toll on song birds!
Jerry
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KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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jerry,
Thank you for your reply,I will use the air gun as i allready have one and i will check with BASC.
many thanks
Keith
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CptCarling
member
Reged: 21/10/2007
Posts: 102
Loc: Isle of Wight
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Problem with a larsen is you need a decoy bird 1st.
Not the sort of thing Pets at Home sell....!
Air gun is the best idea
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KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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As you say i think the air gun will the best thing to use.
I saw a good thing last night in the garden a sparrow (not sparrow hawk) chasing a magpie and won.
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sandersj89
stranger
Reged: 26/01/2007
Posts: 148
Loc: Sussex or Devon
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[quote]Problem with a larsen is you need a decoy bird 1st.
Not the sort of thing Pets at Home sell....!
Air gun is the best idea [/quote]
True, but I have started the traps of with a couple of hen eggs to good effect.... :cool:
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Henry_Ogle
member
Reged: 21/06/2008
Posts: 10
Loc: Nottinghamshire/ Lincolnshire
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Hi KamKam.
During the height of the trapping season our family runs 6-8 larsen traps split between carrion crows and magpies. If we can't get hold of a decoy bird, baiting the traps with eggs or any other food is often enough to encourage a magpie to the trap. In an urban setting i think this would be even easier. I would use the air rifle when appropriate but i think the most efficient method of control would be the larsen trap. Hope it all goes well with whichever method you choose! :D
Henry
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KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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Hello Henry.
Thank you for your advice,Do you know where i can buy or hire a trap in essex.
Keith
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Henry_Ogle
member
Reged: 21/06/2008
Posts: 10
Loc: Nottinghamshire/ Lincolnshire
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Hello KamKam.
I live in Nottinghamshire so don't really know anywhere down there. Try looking on the net and maybe order one off there. If you do get one, try and get the wire traps... this might be all they sell now, but we used to use wooden ones but have upgraded to the more efficient and unobvious all wire larsens. Hope all goes well.
Henry
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KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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Many thanks Henry.
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combatcook
member
Reged: 29/06/2008
Posts: 2
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KamKam
You must remember that to shoot or trap any animal or bird in your own garden legally,that specific animal/bird must come under the conditions of the General Licence as set out by (Natural England) previously done by (DEFRA).
A copy of which can be viewed on the BASC site or other similar body.
If a compalaint is made by a neighbour then the police may pay you a visit.They can prosecute for any criminal/firearms offences such as firing outside the boundary of your garden or criminal damage but it will be an RSPCA inspector who can and may prosecute for any wildlife offences.
Be warned and beware that if you draw attention to yourself and you are a Shotgun or Firearms Licence holder then that can and may be revoked pending any investigation!
In my opion, unless you live in the countryside with no close neighbours,leave well alone and let nature take its course with the magpies.
I should know I am one of the above and shoot myself on a regular basis,but to start shooting wildlife in your own garden in this day and age with lots of anti's about is not worth it!!!
Good luck
Combat Cook....
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KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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ady
Thanks for your input to my problem with magpies, i understand what you are saying but i still feel that magpies are a real problem in the town as well as the countryside and there should be some sort of control of these pests.
Keith.
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combatcook
member
Reged: 29/06/2008
Posts: 2
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Yes
I agree,they will kill every fledgling in their area and eat all other kinds of eggs and young.
Perhaps we could start a campaign to have a magpie cull during the annual songbird nesting period.
All the best
Ady.
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KAMKAM
member
Reged: 09/06/2008
Posts: 9
Loc: Essex
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Ady,
I like the idea of a campaign to cull magpies, If you know how to start one i will gladly help.
Regards
keith
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