According to my own personal research, the Gilbertson PVC would be the least appealing nestbox to House Sparrows (HOSP) I would call a wildlife number for TN to find any regulations on trapping. Most areas allow it, euthanasia is the bigger issue. Also, check out sialis.org for more on that. Yes, it is very much possible that a Rehab center would take the HOSP. I emailed my local Raptor Rehab Center, who are under 10 miles away, and they said they would love to take them, and that they infact trap for the bluebirds too! ~Tim! Here is a link that might be useful: House Sparrow Euthanasia

Boy,am I relieved.This morning at 6:15,I saw Daddy at the box,thought he just might be feeding Mom.I didn't want to check that early in case Mom might be laying another egg.Just now when I came home,I decided to check the box.Dad was in a nearby tree and when I opened the box,there was Mom sitting there all crouched down,nice and cozy.she never even moved.Needless to say,I closed the box quickly and left her alone.I was very relieved and excited.I have no idea if there are more than 3 eggs or not,just happy they are ok.Also on the way back to the house,I walked by a box that has been mounted on the side of the garage for a few years and has always gone unoccupied.My husband mentioned the other day that he saw a bird sticking his head out ,but was unsure what it was.As I walked by,I gently tapped and out came a white breasted nuthatch.How exciting,that is a first for me.Very cool.This box is difficult to open,so I will just have to leave it alone and enjoy.Glad to share some good news.....Jane

thank you Donna I ordered my van ert nestbox trap should be here tomorrow I just hope I can get the male. I have been testing out the 1 1/8 hole reducer on one of the other boxes just too make sure it would keep the hosp out and it did but he is relentless at trying too get it off he's got it all chewed up so I stuck a glove in the hole because the male bcch keeps coming back to the box when hosp leaves so sad! and I don't want him getting killed like the other one, can the bcch still get in the box? and if I keep the hole reducer on all the time will they pass on the box because of the hole size and thats why you don't put it on until they have bonded with box ? I'm letting the hosp nest take shape in hopes too hide the trap in the box any advice on when I do catch him how do I get him out of the box too i.d. and easiest way too dispose of him shale I say? thanks for all your help I am also going too try the van ert urban trap decided neighbors are close and gun would not be the best option they already think I'm NUTS because I mess with these boxes so much don't want too give them further cause ha ha!

Thanks guys, I followed your advice and removed the egg. I made a home-made hole reducer out of a piece of cardboard and taped it inside the box to the front of the box. It's been taped to the hole from all angles. Hoping it will hold up. It is a 1 1/4" or as close as I could get eyeballing it. The chickadees accepted it after a few minutes. Cardboard was the only thing I could think of that is flexible yet sturdy since I have gilbertson boxes. Crossing my fingers for no cowbird attacks. Never had a cowbird egg in 13 years of backyard birding, but now my 1st year at my new house and 1st nest of chickadees ever, I get one.