I have read somewhere on this forum that it is good to soak prepared gourds in a solution of copper sulfate. After reading the precautions on the label and the harm it could cause with skin contact, is this not harmful to the birds since the inside of the gourds will not be painted? I'm assuming this is fine since others have done this. I understand that a pound of the granules to a five gallon bucket of water is what I should use. Help me out since I'm a little hesitant here.
Keith
Soaking Natural Gourds
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Louise Chambers
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Keith,
It's safe for the birds and will prolong the life of natural gourds. With all the extra features and work that goes into natural gourds, we'd like them to last as long as possible. We've been using some for over 10-15 years, or even a bit longer.
If you don't want to use it, be sure that you seal the outer surface well, use primer and 2 coats of good quality paint - and caulk any tunnels, access caps, and hanging holes.
It's safe for the birds and will prolong the life of natural gourds. With all the extra features and work that goes into natural gourds, we'd like them to last as long as possible. We've been using some for over 10-15 years, or even a bit longer.
If you don't want to use it, be sure that you seal the outer surface well, use primer and 2 coats of good quality paint - and caulk any tunnels, access caps, and hanging holes.
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Emil Pampell-Tx
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- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
In addition, I might add that you can save the solution, let the water evaporate, and then you will have it left in the bottom, it can be reused. Be careful in disposing it, it will kill tree roots and grass.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
I bypassed the soaking of the gourds. It seemed too messy, and copper sulfate was a little high priced. My gourds are in the third year and still looking good. They are well painted and sealed, so I will see how long they last.
The Martins luv em.
The Martins luv em.
I use natural gourds and soak them in the copper sulphate when I make them up for the martins. I was wondering are they ever soaked in the copper after being used for a year or so or is this a one time thing and how long should gourds soak in the copper? I soak mine for about 20 minutes is that long enough.
I soak mine for 30 mins. the first time I prepare them. After I am finished I put the liquid in a 5 gal. bucket with lid for next time. It looks a little dirty when when you stir it up the next year but I assume the copper sulfate cannot evaporate with the lid on. I have used the same liquid for 4 years now. I bought a 2 lb. can of copper sulfate so I guess I could add some more to it at some point.
First pair in 2005
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John Miller
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Thinking too much...I no longer soak my entire gourds. It's the bottom bowl that tends to rot, so I just sit the gourd in a shallow tray for 30 min or so. I also drill out my drain holes first, so the solution gets into the bowl, but more so thinking it may help for it to soak into the sides of the drain holes.
I wonder if enough really gets into the gourd wood to do any good, but I use it anyway, and sometimes retreat gourds after a few years.
Be cautious about splashing this stuff in your eyes, or rubbing your eyes if it's wet or even dry on your fingers.
John M
I wonder if enough really gets into the gourd wood to do any good, but I use it anyway, and sometimes retreat gourds after a few years.
Be cautious about splashing this stuff in your eyes, or rubbing your eyes if it's wet or even dry on your fingers.
John M