Housing Height Does not matter

[Chriscreole]

Now for the question people have asked, does height of housing matter?

I say NO!

My old S&K house is sitting on the ground in grass against the fence, I am sure these are my returning martins because one of the males is in his old cavity in the house on the ground.

This brings up a critical question....should I remove the old house and force him to take a residence in the new Super System 24 with the Troyer Gourds or just let it remain on the ground? I'm thinking since there are 2 more Matrins in the gourds and he just arrived, remove the house and force him to rent a new condo.

what do the experts say?

[Hanover Bill]

Hi Chris;

I think success with Martins is all about location, location, location, just like real estate, witness your house on the ground being occupied. An old timer once told me if you live in Florida or Texas all you have to do is hang an old shoe out, and you will attract Martins. He was probably exagerating slightly, but I think there is some truth to what he said.

Oh, were it to be that easy up in my locale. I am hoping this will be the year as I had some visitors last year.

Best of luck to you this season.

Hanover Bill.

[parkerdes]

No expert here but I have both houses & gourds up! I would not leave a house on the ground because of predators but if your martin is attached to the house...put it back up! I had more pairs in my modified MSS-12 last year than in my gourds. In my area, most of the housing is houses so new birds moved into the house first. If you had successful pairs in the house, put it up!!!... unless it is a pain for you!
Just my honest opinion!
Take care & have a great season!
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[dsonyay]

Yeah Chris- get it off the ground at least high enough to prevent a ground predator from getting into the nests. But you're right- the height doesn't really matter. I've seen many houses just a few feet off the ground with martins - all over south La.

I think it may matter if the site is brand new. Once the martins have become established there, I think it makes little difference.

I think you see the proof right in front of you.... but on the ground will spell trouble once eggs are laid.

[cary-nw-fla]

Darn.... Now I know what my problem is.... I forgot to hang them shoes....

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

How heavy is the old house? Could you put it on top of the gourd rack and tie it to the arms? It may look bad, and may be too heavy, just a thought. I have tied lightweight houses to my racks before, but I didn't want it to be a permanent thing, Just a one year rigging. The martin will move, nothing to worry about.

[Chriscreole]

I decided to remove the old house, He is sitting on the rack perchs so he may pic a gourd.

thanks everyone

[Linda Reynolds]

Chris, I think you are right in that height does not matter. We lower our racks often due to storms and bad weather. We have never lowered them to the ground, but lowering has NEVER made a difference. Martins still return to the same cavities with or without young in the nest.

[RC Moser]

don't leave it on the ground and let the PM to continue to go in, cat will get the PM . Put it up or throw it away. MY PM will also go in my set up when I don't have it raised. For me off the ground is minimum.

[Chriscreole]

don't leave it on the ground and let the PM to continue to go in, cat will get the PM . Put it up or throw it away. MY PM will also go in my set up when I don't have it raised. For me off the ground is minimum.

My last post I said I was going to remove it, and I did already

[Dave Duit]

I have 48 gourds and the bottom of the gourds are 8 feet off the ground. My colony is thriving and the lower height has never been an issue for the martins.