Heat Advisory Central TX

[C.C.Martins]

I will try to get those pics; id like to let the heat go down before stressing them again...sat and sun we are expecting some rain so will then. I used that broad silver tape, used for duct work. brought a sharp knife up that ladder, cut to fit the pieces, taped the seams and any overlap, taped the top and secured the whole thing to the overhanging tin roof. Its reflective alright, those birds that settle over the top best not set still too long, may need little martin sunglasses. Ideally, Id rather insulate from inside but...

[BDR]

I wanted to share my heat related tragedy. I've been on vacation for the past 10 days and couldn't post this until now.

This is my first year of Martins. I have (had) two nesting pair. In the S&K 12 family Purple Martin House on the west side I had an ASY pair with 4 pinkies. On the east side there was a SY pair with 3 pinkies. The Martin house was unmodified from the manufacturer. I unfortunately didn't have any kind of shade on top of the house.

On June 17th, the temperature reached 112. I was at work on a 48 hour stint and couldn't do anything to help my birds. Upon returning home, late in the afternoon on the 17th, all three pinkies were dead on the east side. The west side had to be way hotter, but I guess the ASY parents somehow took care of their babies better. At 112 though, I'm lucky any survived. I hate that this happened, but I guess live and learn how to better protect my birds.

[C.C.Martins]

Dang, sorry! 112 is brutal, maybe the wind (if any) kept them ok on the west side. that speaks to ventilation if so. hope your survivors fledge...think about doing something for the roof in the meantime? maybe ventilate somehow; you have some hot weeks coming. heres a picture of what I did...this house comes from a lady one street over, exactly like mine she just doesnt have martins yet; lookers since the improvements...we hope these improvements help her next year. Anyway, heath house, .5 inch insulation foam board from Lowes, has reflective surface one side; comes in 8 foot sheets. used silver metal tape to secure it. cuts real easy. all you have to do is get through another month or so . not many heaths out there, so dont know what you have, but it may help.
Tom

[Steve joubert]

Thanks for advice and will make changes and get ready for next year.