Refurbished Martin House

[fotoimages]

Hi Everybody.

I hope these photos are viewable. If not I’ll try something else. This is the house I found in the junk. I refurbished it and as I was going through it, I thought I’d try something different realizing more depth is better (I believe these are org. 6”). I opened each room into the room adjoining with the thought it would make it more difficult for owls/ hawks to get their legs around the corner (if they nested in the side room). The blank panel doors are for nest checks and cleaning. I used magnets to lock the doors in place.

Any thoughts? I realize I’m losing rooms but I figured it would be a start. I’m considering adding a couple of gourds to this house as well. If it works and I can attract them I’ll build from there by adding more housing and gourds.

I do have a couple of questions for everyone’s input please. Should I put railing around each floor? What do you recommend for entrance types “Crescent etc.” ?
Once again I’d appreciate everyone’s opinions and inputs.

Thanks, Dave

[C.C.Martins]

Good afternoon! Looks like you have a heath house there. Appriciate the work you put into it because I know exactly what its like. That style house started my colony.

Wish I'd have thought of magnets, I cut 3 inch holes in the side for gourd screw on access to do nest checks. Yep, real pain.

For entrances yes definitely need SREH. Starlings will come in force. I bought the S&K crescent tunnels and attached them to the house, easy enough to screw and bolt in. Seal over the 2 inch hole above the crescent, you won't need that. Or just keep the cap that comes with it in place. May need to widen the inner hole once the tunnels are in place, easy enough to cut out and shave the burrs off.

Honestly I used to have the plastic porches on it, they never used them. They sit on their entrance porches.

I see a winch there? Does it spin at all? Martins will have a tough time if the house spins in a wind.

[fotoimages]

Thanks for the input. I’m glad I registered. I couldn’t have asked for more help from everyone. As soon as I’m done with this, I’m going to get a couple of gourds going to start with and get the round entrance holes retrofit.
Yes, I was curious if the house would spin in the wind when I put it up as well. No, I’ve watched it through some strong winds and it doesn’t move at all. I have two tubes (1/2” electrical conduit) inside that runs the full length of the house one on each side. I run the cables threw them. It seems to work real well. I also keep a little tension on the cable when it’s up.
I got the house up late (early summer) last year so I’ve had a chance to watch it and start working out the bugs.
Also thanks for the info. you included on the “Clinger Tunnels”.

Dave....

[C.C.Martins]

Not a problem, its what we are here for. Lots of experience here and we are all trying to help others manage their birds.

You did a bang up job, that pole isn't going anywhere. Real dang good idea running those rods through the house! Yep that will hold it in place. Give the whole house some structure too.

Yeah when those starlings come looking at those big round holes and expanded compartments they will stay, when I first put our heath house up in 2016 it was 12 rooms with round holes, even the starlings wouldn't go to it. Just shoot them all.

You've got a great start, just be patient, the big group of martins hasn't arrived yet still very early in the season.
Best,
Tom

[deancamp]

Looking good, big open site. The Martins will like that. That's a perfect way to expand the cavities. They always build their nest as far away from the entrance as they can, so it will give them good protection.