Here is another DIY technique you could use in your Swiftlet
farm. It has been proven and tested in many Swiftlets farms. It really scares
away Predators.
Putting sharp spikes at the entrance hole is not as easy as
you may think. Often hammering and drilling is needed.
Nails are often used, they are hammered into a piece of wood
and placed at the entrance hole to prevent Owl and other predators from perching
or standing at the entrance hole.
But their sharp ends are not sharp enough to hurt predators thus making it ineffective to
scaring them away.
I would like to share
with you the simplest way to put sharp spikes at the entrance hole. No
hammering and drilling are needed. Obviously no burning a big hole in your
pocket.
I use screws as they are cheap and sharper than nails. They
are easy and convenient to work with. It will last a long time, and most screws
are coated with paint (treated anti-rust). Entrance hole is an area that is
exposed to the sun and rain nails get rusty easily as they are not treated..
I use the 3-4” black
wood screw and stick them with Epoxy
They are easily available at hardware shops. If you cannot find them,
call me at 012-317 3811. (I do supply them)
Araldite epoxy is recommended. I have tried many types of epoxy all of them
are not as strong and lasting as Araldite. They deteriorate over a long period
of exposing under the sun and the rain. Araldite epoxy is resistant to chemical
and UV. A two part mix epoxy is recommended. Never use single part adhesive.
The best part of this DIY
you could put as many screws (spikes) as you wish. Nobody is going to
stop you. They can be placed at the entrance hole as well as at all other areas
or places which you think predators would perch or stand.
Clean the surface of the area before sticking the
screws.
Things that you need, a box of screws (100pcs) and 2 packs
of Araldite epoxy. Of course, also with some effort and sweat.