DIY Pine Needle Bedding?

[MamaBruff]

There is a row of pines along my property line; Can't I just use the fallen, dry pine needles for my PM nests? If so, should I bake it in my oven to sanitize? On the other hand, just how necessary is it to have pine bedding? My grandparents had PMs all their lives and I don't think they ever put bedding in their houses. Thank you, for your input; this PM forum is an excellent source of info to a newbie wannabe landlord!
Mary

[James Strickland FL]

I just pick the dry one up and put them in the houses and gourds. I put a bunch on the ground also for them to pick up.

[Brad-AL]

Yes, use what you have. In my opinion, putting pine straw (as it's called in these parts) in the nests is an excellent idea. A Martin is most vulnerable to predation when they are on the ground gathering nesting material. They are still going to add nesting material to the gourd, but if there is already pine straw in place, they don't have to add as much.

Some people go to way more trouble than I do when they put the pine straw in the nests. I grab a large hand full and shove it in the gourds. I try to flatten it out and keep it out of the entrance holes. That's it. I've found green briers, blackberry stems and other prickly, poking things in Martin nests so I see no need in cutting the pine straw up or arranging it in any particular way. They'll fix it like they want it.

[ronpar]

Hello, Mama....For what it's worth, I tried last year for the first time as a landlord. I quickly threw up a S&K barn (birthday gift) and a couple gourds on another pole. The closest trees to the poles are a row of pine trees about 40 ft. I did put just a handful of needles in each cavity of house, which I converted for larger space. I didn't see a bird until first week of May, I believe, and none spent the night until late May (sub pair and a friend). They stayed and produced 4 eggs June 1-4 conclusive. I was astounded....happy like. Also, in a gourd on other pole we welcomed a pair of tree swallows who also raised a group of offspring. I'm no expert, but I did the same this year....still waiting to see first martin. Have seen a pair of swallows a couple different days. I thought about sanitation, too, but I have not tried that. Good thought tho. Listen to the expert advice you receive here...I just wanted to describe my good fortune as using pine needles from ground. Others may disagree and we can both learn something.

[LoneOakMartins]

I put pine needles in my gourds. I cut them up first so they are more manageable for the martins. I was going to use pine shavings, but then read somewhere that they hold moisture more than the pine needles.

[JL Murray]

We just get the pine straw from the ground toss it into a big box where i pick out any large leaves or sticks from other trees, then i just grab a goodly handful and stuff it into the gourd.

The only arranging we do is just smooth it level and make sure it is not in the entrances so they are not blocked.

I do lightly sprinkle a small bit of seven dust in the bottom of the gourd entrance under the step pad with a salt shaker before putting the pine straw in though.

[ToyinPA]

There is a row of pines along my property line; Can't I just use the fallen, dry pine needles for my PM nests? If so, should I bake it in my oven to sanitize? On the other hand, just how necessary is it to have pine bedding? My grandparents had PMs all their lives and I don't think they ever put bedding in their houses. Thank you, for your input; this PM forum is an excellent source of info to a newbie wannabe landlord!
Mary

In states where the weather is cold when they arrive or shortly after the pine needle bedding, pre-placed, gives them a warm pre-nest to seek dry shelter & warmth. This also helps to preserve their energy, which they need to stay warm & healthy.

I put some powder Sevin, cedar shavings, pine needles in each nest tray. Once they arrive & pair up they either kick it out or add to it. Usually they add to it. It also helps keep them off the ground for long periods gathering nesting materials. If, after my colony arrives, we get a night that drops below freezing I use handwarmers.

Our weather is not the same as it was years ago. Many birds/animals are either dying or adapting. Reading thru the posts it seems many Martins are having a difficult time dealing with these extended cold patterns.

Toy in PA

[MamaBruff]

Thank you everyone, I have a clear plan now of what to do!

[jeffwilliams72]

I was late in raking up pine needles for my PM's,and they were wet on the ground. I wanted to beat the last snowstorm, so I raked them up wet, and filled an old laundry basket. They dried quickly in the house, now all my gourds are full of dry needles waiting for PM's.