trap tunnel

[borderboy 80]

Edited February 2, 2007 by borderboy

[john b 38]

I don't think that they need to be too long BB - about 60cm long should do you. The main reason to use them is to keep out the other things that you don't want to catch so don't forget to use a couple of sticks at each end to restrict the entrance.

 

 

 

I had a bit of trouble with that and so tend to use trap boxes like this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are only 18 inches long and I've found them to be 'safer'.

[borderboy 80]

Edited February 2, 2007 by borderboy

[Guest Ditch_Shitter]

BB; I'd go, 100%, with what John's saying there, mate. Though I'd settle for an 18" tunnel, as long as the ends are blocked down to 2" appertures. Further more, having just bought a new batch of traps and having a place aching for them, I was just geeing up to build a new set of tunnels myself.

 

However, considering it, I think I'll have a crack with these Boxes myself, this time around. Known about the idea for years now - just never got round to changing my ways. Still, ten Boxes it'll be. Get started shortly

 

May I just add that I'm already considering a crafty tweak or two on the basic design there? I'm thinking how having no floors will mean the rats stay on familiar ground till they commit. I'd also strongly urge ye to consider adding " Signals " to what ever ye make there. I cover these in a post I believe is now up there, under the Sub Board 'Trap Designs'. Have a look. They're Such a bonus!

[YORKIBOY 4]

Excellent :thumbs-up: chaps. just aquired some mk4 fenns today from a friend. as ive got a few rats kicking about the yard that. need sorting and was wondering about tunnel design have never used fenns before so thought id give it a try.fingers crossed

[john b 38]

.fingers crossed

 

Not just crossed mate - keep 'em out of the way. those fenns can smart a bit.

[YORKIBOY 4]

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QUOTE(john b @ Jan 12 2007, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

.fingers crossed

 

Not just crossed mate - keep 'em out of the way. those fenns can smart a bit.

Deffinetly be keeping them out the way mate

[T.F.Student 0]

I set mine really fine...so use a stick about 18 inch to flip the safety catch as they can fair jump when they go off

[Guest Bigbob]

I made some tunnels just using house bricks they worked as well as any other tunnels ,id give them a go for rats

[OldTrapCollector 377]

I always found that any natural looking tunnel would do the trick, preferably with an earth floor if it is rats you're after. Mustelids will walk blindly over a naked trap but rats are a little more canny, especially if the tunnel appears on their runway where yesterday there was nothing. I also found that bedding the trap down so that the pan and tops of the jaws were level with the surrounding earth gave better results.

 

If you're making the tunnels from scratch then 3 x 18" lengths of 6 inch rough sawn board will be fine - don't make them any bigger than the trap needs to fire - otherwise you might risk losing your prize. Old land drain pipes are good for the smaller wire Fenns, or 6" plastic pipes 1/3rd filled with earth suit the Mk 4's. I used bricks, rocks, sods and logs to make mine, anything that makes the tunnel blend in (saves the trap thieves) and looks attractive to your target.

[Phil Lloyd 10,739]

Obviously,..its a case of 'each to his own',..

But,..when called on to quickly reduce the numbers of Grey Squirrels in a copse or plantation,..I favour the luxury of 'in and out, guerilla type tactics. I have a hundred 'Mr Whippy' tunnels constructed of ice cream containers sliced down the middle. These lightweight tunnels are absolutely perfect for the job.

They are easy to carry and fit nicely inside one another. I sometimes spray them Vauxhall 'Leaf -Green' as instructed by my Trapping sensai, Mr Glenn Waters...The traps fit snugly inside and if the frontage is protected by some stout hazel tealers and a 'jump stick' bowed over just in front of the 'LIGHTLY SET' pan,.well,.its done and dusted for squirrel nut-kin All the best,.and good trapping,..CHALKWARREN..

Edited January 13, 2007 by CHALKWARREN

[DUCKWING 302]

WISE WORDS CHALKIE ,

 

SOMETIMES YOU........ " GUNS FOR HIRE " JUST DONT HAVE THE TIME TO SET UP TUNNELS IN THE MANOR WHICH A KEEPER WOULD BE INCLINED TOO ............. BUT JUST REMEMBER EVERYONE .............

 

ANY SHADE OF GREEN AS LONG AS ITS VAUXHALL LEAF

 

 

 

ALL THE BEST

 

DUCKWING

[OldTrapCollector 377]

Sounds like a good tip ChalkWarren, those tree rats will go into anything offering free food. I was talking more of permanent sited tunnels rather than portable or temporary ones.

[borderboy 80]

Edited February 2, 2007 by borderboy

[Guest Ditch_Shitter]

Quite agree with the 'Speed is the Essence' sentiment. Equelly with how the permanently based 'Keeper favours longevity and thus good cammo. Must say, the drain with earth in it is new to me and I Really like the sound of that too! Again, better for a more permanent set. But I use such around my own land here and the f*ckin donkey, never mind the Dogs, tend to wreck most things as a pass time! Maybe more traditional, 'Gamekeepery' methods will stop things drawing their attentions?

 

Chalkies squirrel tubs reminds me of something; Mate of mine, a Pester who goes by the handle " Dog Rat " (some of ye may know him) tried out some ice cream tub 'tunnels'. He more or less just cut a hole in either side of an upturned tub and put them over fenn's, for rats. Nothing!

 

Anyone else tried that approach and got an opinion on it, please?