Havahart trap modifying suggestions please

[Sarah]

I've got a fuzzie who's teeth are overgrown and am trying to catch.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9828

He has gotten completely into the trap several times. He has been able to step on he trigger plate and grab the treats at the very back of the trap. I've even ''glued' the nuts down with sticky peanut butter. I am using the squirrel sized trap.

I'm wondering what to do to make it more sensitive. I'm thinking about bending the clasp that attached to the door so it isn't so angled. Maybe trying to rig something to the trigger plate to try in manually...

Suggestions please! :( Thank you!

[smoknbunny]

Maybe a bigger racoon size trap? It could be that his tail and fuzzy butt are preventing the trigger from closing properly. Is he a large or extra fluffy squirrel?:thinking
BTW good job luring him in! That's probably half the battle. The squirrel is cooperating, now you just need the trap to as well!

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

I've modified one of my traps for the same reason. Not sure we have the same style/size of a Havaheart. My little 10" trap is so sensitive it catches a squirrel just fine, but is a bit cramped. I have one that is almost 2 1/2 feet long and intended for a raccoon, but a squirrel is too light to set it off.

I took a pair of pliers and bent the trigger near where it latches to the door that drops. I bent that little lip (shaped like an "L") on the trigger just enough that it barely holds the door open. Doesn't take but a strong blow of the wind now to set it off, but you still may want to look at getting the little 10" trap for this purpose.

[TexanSquirrel]

Good luck!

[AmyRose]

I tried for weeks with my little trap, to no avail. I tried everything, and he wouldn't go more than halfway in-too cramped. The bigger trap was no sensitive enough to trip the trigger-even with two squirrels on the trigger. I tried modifying, no luck. However, another member posted a picture of her rigging of a trap that worked for her-in non-life threatening help needed, I started a post called "severely wounded squirrel". Maybe that can help. Good luck-I never got my boy, I am assisting from afar.

[Apple Corps]

Amy - what ever happened to the monofilament fish line idea - it should work?

[smoknbunny]

If you have no luck with the Havahart maybe I can help you figure something different out. I caught my toothy guy with a different method since I have at least 4 or 5 others I didn't want to catch by accident. But you have to watch the trap and work it yourself.

[Sarah]

I definitely have the right sized trap. I also got the one for small squirrels, but it isn't really more sensitive, and I don't think I'd have as good of luck luring him into it. I'm surprised how much wight they both need to trigger...

I'm going to try bending the clasp, and try a few drops of peanut oil in the hinges.

I've experimented with the wire, but I didn't have much success. There isn't enough leverage to pull the trigger plate down or the clasp out, and the line kept catching.

Thanks for the info please keep it coming! :bowdown

[Apple Corps]

Sarah / Amy - early this week I'm going to take a pic of what I am suggesting, it should work - not much leverage needed. I have a large HAVAHART trap and very little pressure is required to trigger it. It makes little difference if the fuzzer is all the way in or not - the closing trap door will bump his lil butt on in the trap - minor chance of minor injury. That has to be weighed against the seriousness of the injury we are trying to help with.

[AmyRose]

My larger one the neighbor loaned me was not a Havaheart. I tried it, but the fine line drug the trap instead of flipping the trigger. I was also concerned about bumping his butt as his injury included the area, and I didn't want to make it worse. So, no luck, I am sorry to say. Hopefully, Sarah will do better than I.

[Apple Corps]

Amy - if he is going in half way I would trigger the trap and bump him in - especially if you have a vet or rehabber on standby. As someone else said - critters can mask the pain but he is probably hurting and will for a long time.

Any chance you can get a HAVAHART trap - some places will actually rent them.

[Sarah]

I got my Havahart at OSH. They had a few models at Lowes too.

Still no luck. After bending the catch so it's barely hanging on the clasp, he can stand with front paws on the trigger plate without tripping it and still reach the nuts at the back of the cage. At least he's getting a lot to eat... His teeth are worse and his tail is looking scruffy. :(

This thing is Positively Medieval!!!! I'm going to Radio Shack for a 21 century fix! Solenoids and a 12 volt! Grrrr.

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

I've not had that experience with a Havaheart. OK, can you tie a string/rope to the trigger and watch from a distance and trip it yourself?

[golfsniper]

Best way to do this is to place a shim of some sort under the locking weight on top of the trap (the part that flips over the handle when you push down on the tripping plate). You will notice as you lift it up the trap will become more sensitive, you can use coins, washers or whatever is handy. Shim it up and what I did was tape the shims to the top of the trap to hold the weight up a bit from its normal resting position. Experiment with it and you will find the tipping point as all traps are a bit different. It's easier to get it right this way than trying to bend stuff. Good luck with it.




I've got a fuzzie who's teeth are overgrown and am trying to catch.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9828

He has gotten completely into the trap several times. He has been able to step on he trigger plate and grab the treats at the very back of the trap. I've even ''glued' the nuts down with sticky peanut butter. I am using the squirrel sized trap.

I'm wondering what to do to make it more sensitive. I'm thinking about bending the clasp that attached to the door so it isn't so angled. Maybe trying to rig something to the trigger plate to try in manually...

Suggestions please! :( Thank you!

[Cleo_13]

This is a 2008 thread. The problem was probably solved a long time ago:D