cage traps for rabbits - not having any luck

[cgjrdl 0]

Hi there. I've set some cage traps in a field that's teaming with rabbits early morning and dusk yet I haven't caught a single rabbit. I've tried using both carrots and apple as bait but it's made no difference. I position some bait in a line towards the cage entrance, a small amount in the front and then some at the back where the flap is which activates the door (which is a spring loaded door). I've been observing from a distance, and some of the rabbits eat the bait in front of the cage but don't get lured in. It's almost as if they know what's going on. Any advice would be most welcome.

[Outofnowhere 93]

Is it worth covering the floor of the cage with sand or something? Walking on wire is uncomfortable. Make sure it doesn't stop your door being sprung tho'.

 

Other more experienced people on here might have different idea's.

[torchey 1,328]

Hi there. I've set some cage traps in a field that's teaming with rabbits early morning and dusk yet I haven't caught a single rabbit. I've tried using both carrots and apple as bait but it's made no difference. I position some bait in a line towards the cage entrance, a small amount in the front and then some at the back where the flap is which activates the door (which is a spring loaded door). I've been observing from a distance, and some of the rabbits eat the bait in front of the cage but don't get lured in. It's almost as if they know what's going on. Any advice would be most welcome.

Cage traps take a little while its not overnight ,leave them in the right place ,keep them baited,dont expect much within the first week but they will trickle in

[nod 285]

when are you baiting the traps, morning or evening, if you are baiting in mornings, get a nice day like we are at the moment the carrots will shrivvel up and dry, try baiting in the late afternoon but obviously still check in mornings, what are the rabbits feeding on now, check at night with the lamp to see where they are feeding aint no good ur cages being near the burrows if they are feeding in the middle of the field, get them out with them.

they will catch straight away and you can catch over night

Edited April 24, 2011 by nod

[cgjrdl 0]

Thanks everyone, it seems like I need to give it more time.

 

Nod: I have been baiting in the early evening and, as far as I can tell, the cages are very near where the rabbits are eating grass and dandelions. Actually come to think of it, I've seem some of them eating just outside the cages!

 

I'll post if there are any more developments.

[Rolfe 2]

Successful cage trapping rabbits is an art.......just like snaring is. The biggest mistake most beginners make is moving the cages too often when they don't get immediate results. Provided the cages are set in the right place.........to the side of well used rabbit runs and NOT on them they will catch eventually. If the cages are set on grassland then pin the cages tight to the ground using a T bar, a rabbit will NOT enter a cage if it feels the cage moving under its feet. The rest is just a waiting game..........once the cage has caught its first visitor........the rest is easy. Just expel the urine from the trapped rabbit all over the cage floor and the next rabbit to pass along that particular run will find the scent irresistible and will readily enter the cage.

Carrots are still the best bait to use in my opinion and provided they are replaced regularly they will prove to be a serious attractant. Don't cover the cages in any way...........and they will catch eventually..........be patient.

 

Rolfe.

[cgjrdl 0]

Thanks Rolfe, that all sounds like very sensible advice.

[cgjrdl 0]

Just a quick note to all of you who were good enough to respond. I've just had a delicious rabbit casserole for lunch, courtsey of a certain lagomorph who wondered into a cage at 5am this morning!