The Poultry Keeper

stamina · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:55 am Post subject:

Jan. Hope I can describe this trap for your ducks so that you understand. We used to catch large numbers of wild mallard in this way.
Make a large wire mesh cage. We used to knock in 4 fencing posts to make a square at least 8ft x 8ft x Wink

4ft high. Cover the sides and top with wire mesh. Make about 8 cone shaped funnels about 15 to 18inches long, again using wire mesh.
When you have the box shape made, lift the sides about 18 inches off the ground, so that ducks can walk in and out. Now feed your ducks under the cage for a few days. When they are feeding happily under the cage,peg the sides down and put 2 funnels in each side of the square, tapered end in the cage,wide end flush with the sides. Try to put feed in the cage so that ducks are attracted to the funnels and when taking ducks out of cage do it as quietly as possible so that others don't become wary.
Hope this helps
Good Luck
Stamina.

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2045 Location: North Cornwall

Thanks Stamina, Im going to show this to OH in the morning. It might just do it. You are right about them getting very wary, clever little blighters.Thanks for your help.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

That sounds sneaky Stamina, but as you say, it works, so definitely worth giving it a try. Anything is worth a try when you have so many to catch, isn't it Jan? Good luck catching them ~ hope we hear lots more good news from you soon

stamina · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:41 pm Post subject:

I have used the same method to catch pheasants, for the breeding pens. I learned the method from an old gamekeeper back in the '60s. (says he, showing his age).Gamekeepers still use the same method today.
I promise you it does work.
Good luck,
Stamina Smile

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2045 Location: North Cornwall

Ive just got back from a 2hour catching stint with nothing to show for it but frost bite. We are going to make Stamina's catching cage, as you say we have nothing to loose and these old game keeper methods are always spot on or they wouldn't use them.
Whats happening is, because I've cut down a bit on the feed, the Muscovies are guarding the entrance to the rearing pen where the feed pans are, so although lots are coming up they are being chased off. I want to keep the Muscies for as long as possible as they are easy to catch and are laying.
We are going to make Stamina's cage in Call duck territory.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Good luck, I really hope it works for you. Pleaes keep us up to date

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

Jan, just want to echo what summayah says - good luck and keep us posted. Hopefully your little darlings won't realise what you're up to! Wink