Spring clean...

[Icefever]

I've been out having a spring clean on most of my FV's and kit that I use, and while I was at it I started a sugar wash using Fermaid, thought I'd give it a go and see what it's all about.


Ice.

[Easydrinker]

I recall Fermaid being a yeast nutrient?

Robert.

[Icefever]

That it is Robert, I got hold of a packet a while back, thought let's try it....can't see any difference at the moment, won't bother again.

Ice.

[phantom]

The Fermaid range of nutrients are available in a few different flavours, some that aren't available here. The "K" is the standard one that contains inorganic nitrogen, the "O" one is organic and only contains organic nitrogen sources, the "A" is formulated for the Australian market as it doesn't contain something that they don't allow for winemaking (can't remember what is left out compared to "K"), and there's also a Kosher version available in Israel, but I don't know if it's "kosher enough" for Passover wines (Passover food and drinks are, as I understand it, only made using the strictest interpretation of Jewish culinary rules).

The "TOSNA" method(s) (for mead making) were written using "O" but I understand he also wrote a version with "K"

It seems that many prefer the Fermaid range, because they publish better info/data about it then the rest of the producers put together - just that you usually find it on fleabay, because normally it's only sold in commercial quantities (2.5 kg I believe)......

[Easydrinker]

My spring cleaning currently involves cycling my FV's through sodium Hypochlorite, household bleach.
I don't mind the odd wild or stray yeast getting into my brews, but recently have had to see off a few bacteria.
I could always spring clean my hovel instead!

Robert.

[Mash]

I have "spring cleaned" a few squirrels. We were getting overrun. Built a excellent trap, to try to restore the balance a bit.

[Icefever]

I have "spring cleaned" a few squirrels. We were getting overrun. Built a excellent trap, to try to restore the balance a bit.

What have you built to trap the little bars...buggers???

Ice.

[Mash]

A three way top loader with fenns. Bloody marvellous it is. Baited with peanuts.

[Icefever]

A three way top loader with fenns. Bloody marvellous it is. Baited with peanuts.

Top loader???? washing machine???

Ice.

[Mash]

Rinse twice and a short spin....

[Mash]

If you want the plans to build one I can draw it for you. Just shout up.

[Easydrinker]

I am sure that the recipe for dealing with the bodies resides in the archive?

Robert.

[Mash]

I do wonder what professional pest controller do with bodies. A small incinerator or squirrel gin?

[Windoe]

I do wonder what professional pest controller do with bodies. A small incinerator or squirrel gin?

https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/reci ... rel-recipe

https://practicalselfreliance.com/squirrel-recipes/

[Mash]

I have to confess to the odd pie.

In Norfolk I saw one in a butchers window for £8.

[Easydrinker]

Was given a Rook callbird to bait my Larsen trap today.
It caught another rook.
I want the local magpies.

Robert.

[Mash]

Surely it was always going to catch another rook?
Bait one side only with carrion.

Just acquired a redenator.. Omg it's loud.

[Icefever]

Was given a Rook callbird to bait my Larsen trap today.
It caught another rook.
I want the local magpies.

Robert.

Thank you, Robert, after reading this post I now know that I have a Larsen trap I found this contraption in one of the old stables, having a plastic magpie sitting on a perch gave away its intentions.

I took it up the kitchen garden to try and thin out the smegging pigeons that decimate almost everything I plant. Taking a look at the spring-loaded doors but I could not work out how the trip was set so that it would work.

After a google on "Larsen traps," all was made clear, all it takes is a stick acting as a perch.....a length of bamboo cane will work I'm sure.


Ice.

[Mash]

I may be contradicting Google here but Larsen trap is for territorial Birds (mainly corvids). The Calling bird is doing just that. The locals don't like them "calling" in their territory, they will go to investigate and get trapped.

Not pigeons - completely different tap for those. A Larsen with a pigeon call bird would be a waste of time and is probably illegal.

Plastic magpie decoys rarely work IME.
Swap or get a call bird from your mate in another village.. works like a magnet.

A bamboo stick will not work.
You need 4 bits of half inch square wood cut into 3 or 4 inch lengths*.
Two per door. The door is held open by two pieces end on end. Creating a weak point in the middle. This weak point collapses as soon as the bird lands on it.

*Actual length is as how much you need to prop the door fully open divided in half. If the trap is tricky to set.. it's about right.

[Icefever]

Watched a video of the 2 section perch so simple, if it's no good for pigeons then I'll have to get a trap for them. I need to thin them out, or take the 22 up and set up a hide..


Ice.

[Easydrinker]

My call birds are usually silent, but their prescence is enough to entice local birds in.
Not surprised a rook doesn't catch magpies, no love lost between the species.
Shoot a rook and all its mates come for a mourn, shoot a magpie rooks don't notice.
i don't do FB, but there is a Covid exchange group on there, I will have to get a friend to find me a call bird.
We have gained and given birds before, the rule is that no cash changes hands.

Robert.

[Easydrinker]

A version of a ladder trap may work for pigeons?
Pigeons are attracted to other pigeons.

Robert.

[Mash]

My call birds are usually silent, but their prescence is enough to entice local birds in.
Not surprised a rook doesn't catch magpies, no love lost between the species.
Shoot a rook and all its mates come for a mourn, shoot a magpie rooks don't notice.
i don't do FB, but there is a Covid exchange group on there, I will have to get a friend to find me a call bird.
We have gained and given birds before, the rule is that no cash changes hands.

Robert.

Use carrion to trap your call bird. Rabbit works well if you open it up.

[Mash]

A version of a ladder trap may work for pigeons?
Pigeons are attracted to other pigeons.

Robert.

They do. Quite alarming to clear.

Easier to build and ideal for a few, is a mesh cage with a bob wire door... They just walk right in.

[Icefever]

A version of a ladder trap may work for pigeons?
Pigeons are attracted to other pigeons.

Robert.

They do. Quite alarming to clear.

Easier to build and ideal for a few, is a mesh cage with a bob wire door... They just walk right in.

Thinking the same just been watching a gamekeeper on the tube make one.

Ice.