D. Seth-Smith—Mice in Aviaries



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its inside, and if you divide this box into several compartments,

separated by partitions, and in each partition cut a hole not more

than half an inch wide by about an inch high, mice will squeeze through

these openings very readily. And further, if you arrange a “ Little

dipper ” trap so that in passing through one of these openings the

mouse has to place its whole weight on the wooden pedal, you will

fin d that it will be caught every time.


I have made these boxes of various lengths to take more or fewer

traps, but the size I have found most handy is one to take four “ Little

Nipper ” traps.


It is formed of J- in. wood, the internal measurements being

13 inches long by inches wide, and the height 2J inches. It is

divided into three compartments, and the shape of the divisions is

important. They are made of zinc, and slip into saw-cut grooves at

either side. At each side of each of these divisions a piece is cut out,

allowing a doorway for the mouse, and these doorways are only half

an inch wide and about an inch high. It is necessary for the mouse to

have to squeeze through with some difficulty, and in doing so to exert

pressure upon the wooden pedal of the trap which is set against the

-opening. There are openings at each end of the box for the mice to

enter, and these are half an inch wide by one inch high, which is too

small an opening for any bird, though it will admit full-grown mice.

The box is, of course, fitted with a lid.


I always cut off the wire spike which is provided for bait, as this

is unnecessary. The traps are set close up against the partitions in

the corner against the openings, one in the first compartment against,

say, the left-hand opening, the next in the middle compartment

.against the opposite (right-hand) opening. The third, also in the

middle compartment, against the left-hand opening of the second

partition, and the fourth trap against the right-hand partition in the

third compartment. When the box, with its traps set, is placed in

position a pinch of canary seed can be sprinkled inside, but even

without any bait mice will be caught because they seem to be unable

to resist entering these boxes.



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