Really bad news!!!

Welcome to the internet's gathering place for Purple Martin enthusiasts
Kyler
Posts: 899
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:15 pm
Location: Colby, Kansas
Martin Colony History: PMCA Member - Project MartinWatch - Enlarged Compartments - SREH - S&S Control - Mite Control - Predator Guards - Heat Control ( Vents and Insulation ) - Supplemental Feeding -

Manage 7 different colonies in Colby Kansas.

Okie,
That's great that you are planning ahead!! I already have a list wrote down for what I need to all do this winter! I mean it is huge! :lol: But I'm going to do anything I can to help so this doesn't happen again! If you are doing the insulation part I think you should add the PVC elbows as well! You can see the picture that Mark has installed on his houses of the elbows on page 1

Kyler,
Last edited by Kyler on Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Purple Martin Landlords of Northwest KS
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA

2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Sharon,
Thank you for your report on the RMax Thermasheath available at Lowe's. The equivalent product at Home Depot is GAF EnergyGuard 1/2" x 4' x 8' R3.6
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Okie,
Sorry to hear about your arthritis.
To visualize the 3 screws at each gable end of the roof I have attached a picture. They appear as 3 shiny screw heads in the picture.
After you remove the 3 screws at each end of the roof (6 screws total), then the entire roof comes off. It may take some wiggling and pulling up of the roof but it will come off. Don't lose the 6 small clamps which the 6 screws screw into. Those clamps are attached to the attic floor ends.
Attachments
Trio House Gable End.JPG
Trio House Gable End.JPG (17.32 KiB) Viewed 6586 times
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Fri Jun 24, 2016 8:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Kyler,
As others have mentioned, an alternative to the 1/4" foam board, cork can be found in smaller sizes for insulating the inside walls of martin houses. I vaguely remember that the thin cork board can be obtained from Hobby Lobby. Someone else will have to comment where to get it.

I searched for the 1/4" polystyrene foam board which I use. It is no longer available from Home Depot. I did find it available at Lowe's - KIngspan Insulation R1 Faced Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation. The 1/4" foam board is only available as .25" x 4' x 50' size @ $54.00. That is a lot of 1/4" foam board insulation but I was surprised how quickly my last purchase was used up since I line the inside of outside walls and under the DriNest subfloors.
Attached is a picture of the 1/4" foam board I use under the DriNest subfloors of my Trio Grandma (same as Castle).
Mark.
Attachments
Trio DriNest Subfloor Insulation.JPG
Trio DriNest Subfloor Insulation.JPG (19.97 KiB) Viewed 6585 times
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Fri Jun 24, 2016 8:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Okie
Posts: 541
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:26 pm
Location: Claremore, OK
Martin Colony History: 2016 Informed landlord now Have 2 pair returning from 2015 That is a miracle. Hoping for a very successful year, sparrow population on decline.
First house was plastic with crescent holes Had martins within a few days. Ignorant landlord gradually lost them
Then got Trio House and still lost most of them. Lots of sparrows

Mark Thanks for the great reply & info
As to the arthritis it's not really pain but the wrists & base of thumb are fused & do not move. So that limits certain activities. But I get along fine with most activities.
This pic & instructions help a lot. I will try it & hope that I can actually get the roof off. It is so frustrating to try what should be something simple only to be stuck tight & I can't get it loose.
Question on the subfloor. Seems that would raise the floor & effect ability to maneuver SREH entrances? But sounds like completely enclosing the compartment would be much more efficient. Insulating the floor of the top floor would be insulating the "roof" of the lower floor, right?
Also what do you use to cut the insulation? That floor piece looks like it was manufactured!
And what did you use to make the holes for the vent PVC?

Sharon where did you get your cork board, & does it have a covering? If not covered seems the birds would peck it to pieces. Not being privy of it's benefits to them :wink:
Okie
PMCA member
2016 Started with 2 pair, 1 pair abandoned after HOSP destroyed eggs
1 pair= 6 eggs, 6 fledged
2017 1 pair so far, But they abandoned before nest complete for ?reason? Now Bridless and joined the Wannabes
2018 One pair ASY male SY female 5 eggs, 5 fledged
taxidermy lady
Posts: 2988
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:21 am
Location: IL/Ellis Grove
Martin Colony History: Started trying to attract purple martins in 2012! It's finally happened in 2017! 5 years!!! ASY male and SY female came May 1st, fledged 5 babies!

A super Wally ville! (Wal-mart)! Well never had nesters so I don't know if it is pecked by the birds. John Miller uses it and he would know how it holds up. I bought the flat pieces that they use for push pin boards! It's nice and flat. Just measure the piece you need and cut it with a sharp razor knife. I used liquid nails. A thin layer and it stuck good. All still looks good! Good luck! :)

Your so welcome Mark! :) I think I had this stuff left over from insulating the shop! We added it against the metal then wall insulation!
I did all this to my trio when I was putting it together. Boy that's been a while back now! Been to long, I thought that trio would have attracted them by now :grin:
Sharon from southern Illinois
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Okie,
My wife has the same problem in her right hand dominant hand. She primarily has issues with range of motion but also has pain. She quilts in spite of it.
The quilting is important because I cut the 1/4" foam board with an older, large Olfa rotary cutter. She gave it to me because the ergonomic, medium size Olfa rotary cutter works better for her arthritic right hand that grips the handle. The razor sharp rotary cutter cuts through the 1/4" foam board like butter. I have not used the cork but feel confident that the cork would be easy to cut with the rotary cutter also. I use her Olfa cutting mat and Omnigrid rulers along with the Olfa cutter to get the nice straight lines.
A sharp kitchen knife, straight edge ruler, and butcher block would work as well. I cheat by using her stuff but only with permission! Lol.
From previous post I assume that you have a Trio Grandpa or MSS12. The 12 compartment house which raises and lowers like a flag on a rope and pulley system. Do you still have your DriNest subfloors or are they lost?
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Kyler
Posts: 899
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:15 pm
Location: Colby, Kansas
Martin Colony History: PMCA Member - Project MartinWatch - Enlarged Compartments - SREH - S&S Control - Mite Control - Predator Guards - Heat Control ( Vents and Insulation ) - Supplemental Feeding -

Manage 7 different colonies in Colby Kansas.

Mark,
So you use the foam board under the subfloors? But if I don't use my subfloors and cut a piece out to fit the whole floor will the martins scratch at it and pick at it? I'm planning to put pre nesting material in all my compartments next year so they don't have to use so much energy building a nest! I don't know if that would help so they don't scratch at it?

Kyler,
Purple Martin Landlords of Northwest KS
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA

2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
DornCounty
Posts: 2169
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
Location: Rural SE Kansas
Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi

Kyler wrote:Dorn,
I chose these type of houses because a couple colonies in Colby have trios and they are full of martins! Also how many great views I heard about them! This is my first year with martins nesting in them so I need all the help I can't! Thanks so much!
I still don't know how you guys with 300+ cavities can manage that and keep it going!! :lol: but anyways that awesome! One day I want something like that! Is their anyway you could post pictures of your colonies?

Kyler,

Here are some photos in my past postings ....

http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... le#p254321

http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... le#p237931

Some of these photos are dated now, but you will get the gist.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... le#p232956
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

I went to Lowe's to check for the 1/4" x 4' x 50' polystyrene foam board. I only found a very torn up bundle tucked into a forgotten corner of the store. I was all discouraged until I looked up high on the top of the stock shelves. There was a bunch of it that could be brought down off the stock shelf if I asked someone.
Mark.
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Kyler,
I assumed from past posts that you are going to be using the 1/2" foam board for subfloors in your M12Ks.
I cannot take a picture of the M12K that has the 1/2" foam board subfloors because it is completely full of ASY pairs and is full of nestlings which are too close to fledging to lower the house.
The adult martins scratch at the dense foam board to form a perfect nest bowl. They even form the nest bowl in the perfect spot as far away from the entrance as possible. I let them scratch their nest bowl and then drill several holes in the middle to allow water to drain out IF there were driving rain. The 1/2" foam board raises the nest off of the metal floor and the nests barely get wet so it has not been a problem. That M12K is modified to double compartments.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Kyler
Posts: 899
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:15 pm
Location: Colby, Kansas
Martin Colony History: PMCA Member - Project MartinWatch - Enlarged Compartments - SREH - S&S Control - Mite Control - Predator Guards - Heat Control ( Vents and Insulation ) - Supplemental Feeding -

Manage 7 different colonies in Colby Kansas.

Dorn,
Thanks ! I have seen those pictures before! Before I got on this forum and I have always wanted to know who's those are! Well I can't say that anymore! I really like your houses! Thanks for the reply! Have a great year!!

Mark,
Yes I'm going to use the 1/2 if I can find it! Also do you just have to replace the foam every year or just leave it in their and then replace it in a couple years?

Kyler,
Purple Martin Landlords of Northwest KS
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA

2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
DornCounty
Posts: 2169
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
Location: Rural SE Kansas
Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi

Kyler wrote:Dorn,
Thanks ! I have seen those pictures before! Before I got on this forum and I have always wanted to know who's those are! Well I can't say that anymore! I really like your houses! Thanks for the reply! Have a great year!!

Mer,

Where did you see them at?
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
Kyler
Posts: 899
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:15 pm
Location: Colby, Kansas
Martin Colony History: PMCA Member - Project MartinWatch - Enlarged Compartments - SREH - S&S Control - Mite Control - Predator Guards - Heat Control ( Vents and Insulation ) - Supplemental Feeding -

Manage 7 different colonies in Colby Kansas.

Dorn,
Before I got on this forum! I would just google purple martin colonies and go to images! Just trying to get ideas and I saw your houses and I have always wanted to know who's those are! Because that is something I want!

Kyler,
Purple Martin Landlords of Northwest KS
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA

2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
marcus
Posts: 314
Joined: Tue May 10, 2016 10:21 pm
Location: Fairland OK
Martin Colony History: Mom n Dad had a plastic 12 unit martin house with some martins as long as I can remember. In 2013 they had 1 pair. I don't think they fledged any. I then started learning how to take care of martins and in 2014 we took that house down and put up a Troyer 18 gourd rack. We had 7 pair with 28 fledged.That summer I built a T-14 (I was only 12). I was also given 4 natural gourds that I hung beneath the T-14. In 2015, we had 23 pair although only 22 pair fledged young. They fledged 88 young. In 2016, we had 36 pair, 210 eggs, 163 hatched, 149 fledge!! One pair fledged 2 broods. In 2017, I had 36 pair with 35 fledging young. They laid 204 eggs, hatched 155, and fledged 152.

Mark,
You said that a house was full of ASY pairs with young that were too old to lower the house down. I check my records just before a nest check and any nest with 23 day or older nestlings, I stick a rag plug in the entrance to keep nestlings from jumping. To the rag I have a long string tied and leave it in there until about 5 min. after I have the house back up. Then I pull the plugs out. Waiting until 5 min. after the house is back up gives the nestlings time to settle down. You probably have already heard of this. If so, may I ask your opinion on it? -Marcus
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Kyler,
The foam board is on its 2nd year and I can probably get 1-2 more years out of them. Good investment for how well they are working and how much they cost.

marcus,
I am aware of how to reduce early jumpers due to nest checking. I just don't think that I need to do it to remove a foam board subfloor to take a picture. Kyler will be doing the subfloors in the off season.
I think that Kyler's focus is shading the house from sun exposure and adding attic insulation if he can. But that is my opinion and is predicated on his return to Colby, KS from his Dallas, TX visit and sufficient materials to do minimum tasks during this season.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
4th Gen Martin Fan
Posts: 1498
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
Location: TN/Collierville
Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.

Kyler,
I forgot about the nest inserts made by John Barrow and referenced with picture by Louise Chambers.

http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... 504#142504

You might peruse this topic before you decide about subfloors and wall insulation.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Okie
Posts: 541
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:26 pm
Location: Claremore, OK
Martin Colony History: 2016 Informed landlord now Have 2 pair returning from 2015 That is a miracle. Hoping for a very successful year, sparrow population on decline.
First house was plastic with crescent holes Had martins within a few days. Ignorant landlord gradually lost them
Then got Trio House and still lost most of them. Lots of sparrows

4th Gen Martin Fan wrote:Okie,
My wife has the same problem in her right hand dominant hand. She primarily has issues with range of motion but also has pain. She quilts in spite of it.
The quilting is important because I cut the 1/4" foam board with an older, large Olfa rotary cutter. She gave it to me because the ergonomic, medium size Olfa rotary cutter works better for her arthritic right hand that grips the handle. The razor sharp rotary cutter cuts through the 1/4" foam board like butter. I have not used the cork but feel confident that the cork would be easy to cut with the rotary cutter also. I use her Olfa cutting mat and Omnigrid rulers along with the Olfa cutter to get the nice straight lines.
A sharp kitchen knife, straight edge ruler, and butcher block would work as well. I cheat by using her stuff but only with permission! Lol.
From previous post I assume that you have a Trio Grandpa or MSS12. The 12 compartment house which raises and lowers like a flag on a rope and pulley system. Do you still have your DriNest subfloors or are they lost?
Mark.
Yes it is the Grandpa & yes it still has the subfloors. Why? Do you replace the subfloors with the foam? That would not then interfere with the entrance. But since I went with double compartments I could put the foam on top of the subfloor in the nest compartment & not worry about the entrance.

I take a fair amount of supplements esp the antioxidants, Resveratrol & Curcumin & Omega 3 which are anti inflammatory never have any pain short of jamming my thumb. Then it takes some time to settle down then.
Not familiar with the tool you are referring to but I get the picture. Thanks
I am leaning toward the cork bc that foam board might not fit in my van it is so big.
Okie
PMCA member
2016 Started with 2 pair, 1 pair abandoned after HOSP destroyed eggs
1 pair= 6 eggs, 6 fledged
2017 1 pair so far, But they abandoned before nest complete for ?reason? Now Bridless and joined the Wannabes
2018 One pair ASY male SY female 5 eggs, 5 fledged
Kyler
Posts: 899
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:15 pm
Location: Colby, Kansas
Martin Colony History: PMCA Member - Project MartinWatch - Enlarged Compartments - SREH - S&S Control - Mite Control - Predator Guards - Heat Control ( Vents and Insulation ) - Supplemental Feeding -

Manage 7 different colonies in Colby Kansas.

Mark,
That's great because I want to get something that is going to last a few years other than some other stuff that I would have to replace every year! Another thing on those nest trays that are made out of foam? So if I make them I wouldn't have to put the foam on the walls?

I have always wanted nest trays in my trio M12Ks! I had another question does anyone have any experience with the universal nesting trays! I think they are made out of coroplast but I'm not sure? Any ideas or they good or do they break down really fast?

Also Mark I don't know if this would work but what about coroplast for the insulation? If it would work I would put it on all the walls to make them a little thicker! Also with the PVC elbows I think it would work? Do you?

Kyler,
Purple Martin Landlords of Northwest KS
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9HDLGlbCmSYcSExIySwUQA

2013 - 0 Pair -
2014 - 1 Pair -
2015 - 0 Pair -
2016 - 5 Pair -
2017 - 18 Pair -
2018 - 22 Pair -
2019 - 28 Pair -
2020 - 40 Pair -
2021 - 40 Pair -
Anthony Neira
Posts: 1319
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:12 pm
Location: San Antonio /Texas
Martin Colony History: Started in 1992 From neighbors old 1950-60's colonies. Have 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 4 MPP Poles, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals ,& 2 S&K 11" WITH Troyer Porches ready for 2019 Season !

Kyler, so sorry for your loss, That is ALWAYS the hardest part of being a PM Landlord !! :???: :-( Every one here is Spot On about their ideas to help fight the heat !! After a VERY mild summer here in San Antonio, TX. last year ( My ALL TIME, BEST PM Year EVER !! :shock: ) this year was completely the opposite ! The heat here is not as bad as yours, but still, it's taken it's toll on mine also! :-(
I had added attic/hip style roofs to several of my old trio "Flat top" houses, and to the others, I zip tied the old extra flat top roofs ON TOP of the upper roof rails, creating a "Double Layer" ( with 1" space ) Flat Roofs, I Also took old extra "Walls" & zip tied them to the outside of the house,keeping the upper & lower Horizontal edges against the First Wall, Keeping a 1/2" space between both walls, so air can flow thru, again, creating ANYTHING else to take the Direct Sun light "Hit" instead of the house ! Best of luck, I think over all this may be a "Down" year for the PMs, so maybe Next year will see things go for the better ! Thanks for hanging in there ! Best of luck ! Anthony
Last edited by Anthony Neira on Mon Jun 27, 2016 3:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
PMCA Member, 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals + Tunnels, & 2 S&K Bo 11"s WITH Troyer Porches ! 4 MPPs, For 2019 Season !! :grin: Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.
Post Reply