Trio VS Coates Watersedge Martin House

[MartinBoy14012]

I'm enjoying my Troyer Deluxe 12 gourd rack I have placed along the shores of Lake Ontario, and now I'm looking at installing a house on a 200x200 piece of property I own across the street. The property is lawn surrounded by farm fields so there is plenty of martin feeding traffic to justify a new house for next year. I really don't want to do another gourd rack, so I'm thinking of a house for simplicity. Currently I'm looking at the 2 Trio 12 room offerings and the 6 or 8 room Cotes Birds Choice Watersedge houses. I really like the idea of 6x12 rooms so the Watersedge has my interest. Either Trio house would require buying extra blank doors (don't want to use door plugs) etc. to convert the house to 6x12 rooms. A far as the pole consideration, I do like the rope system on the Trio Grandpa, while I have never seen the Cotes telescopic pole with the thumb screws, is it decent? If I go with a Watersedge, I may make my own pole and just use a step ladder for maintenance. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. I have never seen any of the items mentioned so please chime in. BTW- I do have a budget, so no T-14 suggestions. LOL

[defed]

I'm enjoying my Troyer Deluxe 12 gourd rack I have placed along the shores of Lake Ontario, and now I'm looking at installing a house on a 200x200 piece of property I own across the street. The property is lawn surrounded by farm fields so there is plenty of martin feeding traffic to justify a new house for next year. I really don't want to do another gourd rack, so I'm thinking of a house for simplicity. Currently I'm looking at the 2 Trio 12 room offerings and the 6 or 8 room Cotes Birds Choice Watersedge houses. I really like the idea of 6x12 rooms so the Watersedge has my interest. Either Trio house would require buying extra blank doors (don't want to use door plugs) etc. to convert the house to 6x12 rooms. A far as the pole consideration, I do like the rope system on the Trio Grandpa, while I have never seen the Cotes telescopic pole with the thumb screws, is it decent? If I go with a Watersedge, I may make my own pole and just use a step ladder for maintenance. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. I have never seen any of the items mentioned so please chime in. BTW- I do have a budget, so no T-14 suggestions. LOL

i can't speak for the specific houses or poles as i have never used them, but i once had a homemade telescoping pole for an aluminum trio type house, it was ok, but since it was heavy steal tubing, it wasn't the easiest. i'm sure a commercial pole is lighter and easier. i have a parallelogram tilting wood pole...it keeps the house level as you tilt it. it could be an option for you, it's easy to use and relatively inexpensive (using some pressure treated 2x). but you would need some tools and woodworking ability to build it.

i'm not too far from you in WNY, got my 1st pair this year.

[MartinBoy14012]

Defend,
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your response. Where in WNY are you located?

[defed]

Defend,
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your response. Where in WNY are you located?

genesee county.

[defed]

i was looking closer at the items you are considering. i think i would go w/ the watersedge. it's actually cheaper than the coates, and you wouldn't have to try and modify it to large compartments. the only problem is it needs a telescoping pole, the multi purpose pole PMCA sells, or one like mine that tiles but maintains level. i did look at the coates telescoping one, and to me, i don't like the look of it....but like you, i have never seen or used it.

is the trio grandpa the one w/ the hole thru the middle for the pole? that might simplify a pole but then you still have to enlarge the compartments, which isn't a big deal. i did it on a 12 room trio type before that i am not using anymore.

[MartinBoy14012]

i was looking closer at the items you are considering. i think i would go w/ the watersedge. it's actually cheaper than the coates, and you wouldn't have to try and modify it to large compartments. the only problem is it needs a telescoping pole, the multi purpose pole PMCA sells, or one like mine that tiles but maintains level. i did look at the coates telescoping one, and to me, i don't like the look of it....but like you, i have never seen or used it.

is the trio grandpa the one w/ the hole thru the middle for the pole? that might simplify a pole but then you still have to enlarge the compartments, which isn't a big deal. i did it on a 12 room trio type before that i am not using anymore.

Defed,
Thanks again for your thoughts I will most likely go with the Watersedge house, Lowes has great prices on them. I'll figure out something for the pole later on. I'm kind of surprised no other martin experts on this forum chimed in with their expertise.

[defed]

Defed,
Thanks again for your thoughts I will most likely go with the Watersedge house, Lowes has great prices on them. I'll figure out something for the pole later on. I'm kind of surprised no other martin experts on this forum chimed in with their expertise.

i'm no expert when it comes to martins, 1st time w/ a pair. bb's and others, on the other hand, lots of experience. i will get some pics of my tilting pole after the season is over. i had it down today but wanted to get it back up asap since they are nearing fledging age.

[Dave Reynolds]

... My brother has one of the Wateredge Houses, where he lives in Florida .. He said the Fish Crows could get the doors open on his house exposing the nest and babies.. He said he had to change the doors with heavy bolts to keep them closed.. Just a thought...

Dave