Bird trap cages are a useful tool to humanely capture birds when they get inside warehouses, courtyards, or facilities where they cause damage or health risks. In this guide you’ll learn when to use them, how to do it right, the legal framework you should always follow, and we compare three recommended professional models.
When (and for whom) does it make sense to use trap cages?
- Pest control professionals: as part of an integrated plan (cleaning, exclusion, food management, deterrents…)
- Businesses and public bodies: logistics warehouses, supermarkets, stations, pavilions, farms, wineries and industrial estates where pigeons, magpies or crows get inside.
- Property managers and maintenance: light wells, roofs and terraces with birds trapped indoors.
Capture must be selective, brief and supervised, with frequent checks and immediate release of non-target species.
Legal aspects & animal welfare (non-negotiable)
The use of trap cages must comply with local, regional and national regulations. Before installing:
- Verify whether the target species is protected or requires a specific permit.
- Respect animal welfare protocols: frequent checks (at least daily), water/shade for decoy birds and low-stress handling.
- Do not use poisons or harmful methods. Immediately release any non-target species.
- Coordinate with wildlife authorities if your regulation requires it for transport or relocation.
BirdGard Iberia recommends checking with your local council or environmental authority to confirm requirements in your area.
How they work & how to increase effectiveness
- Choose the right spot: place the cage along the birds’ usual route (near perches, entry/exit points, food sources).
- Use the right bait:
- For pigeons: grain (corn, wheat) or dry bread; pre-bait the area for several days.
- For magpies/crows: high visual interest. In cages with a live decoy, replace it if it doesn’t attract conspecifics.
- Blend in: green plastic-coated wire models integrate better and reduce neophobia.
- Check frequently: inspect the cage often to minimise time in capture.
- After capture: remove loose food and reinforce exclusion measures (sealing, netting, housekeeping) to prevent recolonisation.
Quick comparison of recommended trap cages
| Model | Target species | Mechanism | Compartments / Entrances | Materials / Finish | Dimensions | Best use scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octagonal Trap Cage | Magpies, pigeons, crows & similar | Live decoy in the central chamber + one-way guillotine doors | 5 comps. (1 central decoy + 4 lateral) / 4 entrances | 1.8 mm welded mesh, green plastic-coated wire, powder-coated | Ø 1 m x 30 cm high | Warehouses & outdoors with perimeter movement; strong conspecific attraction |
| Rectangular Trap Cage (pigeons) | Pigeons (urban/rural) | Floor baiting with grain (pre-bait several days) | 2 side doors; top handle for relocation | Rust-resistant wire; high-quality metal finish | 41 x 102 x 31 cm (H) | Warehouses, courtyards & rooftops with pigeon traffic; widely used by service companies |
| 3-Compartment Trap Cage | Pigeons, magpies, crows & similar size | Live decoy in the central chamber that draws birds into the ends | 3 comps. (1 central decoy + 2 capture ends) | Green plastic-coated wire, electro-welded mesh | 33 x 102 x 31 cm (H) | Discreet outdoor spots; blends into surroundings; easy to handle |
Note: if the live decoy doesn’t attract conspecifics, replace it. Check often to ensure welfare of both the decoy and captures.
Advantages & recommendations for each model
1) Octagonal Trap Cage
- Maximum social attraction in corvids and pigeons thanks to the central decoy bird.
- Four entrances with guillotine doors for efficient, low-stress capture.
- Robust yet light and portable (Ø 1 m, 30 cm high) with discreet green finish.
2) Rectangular Trap Cage (pigeons)
- High performance with pre-baiting (corn or dry bread) for a few days.
- Dual doors and top handle: simple setup and fast logistics in cities/industrial areas.
- Rust-resistant materials for intensive outdoor use.
3) 3-Compartment Trap Cage
- Discreet, selective design (green plastic-coated) that inspires confidence in open areas.
- Configuration with a central decoy guiding captures to the ends.
- Optimised size (33 x 102 x 31 cm) for a range of medium birds.
Operational best practices
- Plan: identify access points, food and perches; combine with exclusion (netting, sealing) and deterrents when appropriate.
- Hygiene: remove food remnants, clean droppings and use gloves/masks.
- Supervision: check the cage frequently (at least daily) to minimise holding times.
- Handling: release non-target species immediately and minimise stress at all times.
- Record-keeping: log dates, location, captures and follow-up actions for traceability.
Conclusion & expert help
Used judiciously and within the law, trap cages are an effective and humane tool to resolve one-off intrusions or reinforce control plans in facilities. If you’re unsure which model to choose or how to integrate it into your strategy, our team can help you size the solution and comply with regulations.
Need advice? Contact us and we’ll recommend the right combination for your case (cage + exclusion/deterrents + maintenance).