Housing additions

[Riverview]

Our colony is expanding and am looking for a new setting up a new complex. I have Troyer gourds now, but have heard a lot about the lone star Alamo . Martin house . Have good luck with the gourds, but can see where nests checks would faster with a lone star. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

[Mstan]

The lone star looks nice. It’s not cheap,but agree nest checks and changes would be quicker than a gourd. I incorporated two chirpy nest boxes this year and nest changes are definitely easier and faster. The chirpy nest are also white aluminum

[Riverview]

I have 4 chirpy nest up. The martins have looked at them but all nested in the gourds.

[Mstan]

Of my two chirpy nest one had three birds that fledged the other just a nest. I am thinking of buying four more just because of their ventilation and ease of checks and nest changes. What are your thoughts on them

[Riverview]

When I first saw the chirpy I thought the same. Great ventilation and quick nest change outs.
I might think about adding a new rack system and try a few more chirpy nest all together, put the 4 Troyer gourds back together.
I bought the chirpy because I really like the design.

[Matt F.]

If it were me I would look at the Trendsetter 12, which is in the same price range as the Alamo system.
The Lonestars are good houses, but if I had to critique them the only two things that I would improve are how the cable runs up through the house, and the lack of wing entrapment protection on the crescent hole models.
To my knowledge (unless something has changed) the houses don't have dedicated cable tubes or guides where the cable runs up through the houses, protecting the cables from the somewhat abrupt aluminum edge of the house itself. Cables breaking are rare on any system, but the few times I have heard of cables breaking on houses (which has only been two or three) they have all been on Lonestars - no doubt from the wear on the cable that occurs from being repeatedly pulled across that edge under tension.
The only other thing would be the design of doors (which is the same on the Alamo and the T-14 houses) that forces you to open multiple cavities at once.
Again, probably not a big deal, but could be problematic if you're checking a nest on one side, and there's a nest of babies ready to fledge on that same side.

[Les Frampton]

I have 14 chirpy nests and they were 100% used this year. The birds and I like them. I also have aluminum 6x12 houses and artificial gourds that are well received. I think if well maintained and cleaned yearly they all do just fine from the bird’s perspective. Michigan location. Fledged 250 this year, a record for us.

[C.C.Martins]

If it were me I would look at the Trendsetter 12, which is in the same price range as the Alamo system.
The Lonestars are good houses, but if I had to critique them the only two things that I would improve are how the cable runs up through the house, and the lack of wing entrapment protection on the crescent hole models.
To my knowledge (unless something has changed) the houses don't have dedicated cable tubes or guides where the cable runs up through the houses, protecting the cables from the somewhat abrupt aluminum edge of the house itself. Cables breaking are rare on any system, but the few times I have heard of cables breaking on houses (which has only been two or three) they have all been on Lonestars - no doubt from the wear on the cable that occurs from being repeatedly pulled across that edge under tension.
The only other thing would be the design of doors (which is the same on the Alamo and the T-14 houses) that forces you to open multiple cavities at once.
Again, probably not a big deal, but could be problematic if you're checking a nest on one side, and there's a nest of babies ready to fledge on that same side.

Matt,
Thank you. I am looking at the lonestar goliad for next year. I appriciate the wire guide and wing entrapment input.
Also agree, dont care for the side opening all cavities at once. No need for that. Possibility of chasing birds would be endless.
Tom

[Riverview]

Thank you very much for the great info.
Going to have to expand before next season. With any luck it will be this year. The info on the lone star is what I was looking for. Great info. Will look the trendsetter. Thanks again.

[Thomas Maddox]

I have a Trendsetter and love it. The PMs seem to also. My only issue is the doors which can be a pia taking off and putting on for checks.

[SE Wisc hopefull]

I found this video on youtube and pretty much followed it to the letter. Used a piece or 2"x2" square steel pole and winch from Harbor Freight. All in this 20 room house cost me about $250 plus time. Works great. First year up and first 2 pairs ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i6KhYex3iE

Easy Homemade Cedar Purple Martin House #1 - Thanks Hugo Boom wherever you are!!