Purple Martin Forum

I use rubber tire valve stems. Just push them in backwards and they pressure fit. When you are ready to remove them, simply pull them out and the valve stem is still good to use.

https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=30681&p=251632&hilit=second+broods+barrow#p251632 It can happen that martins will have two broods but it's not very common. It's more common in their southern range. However, I did have one pair do it a number of years ago so it can ...

Its not common for martins to renest. Occasionally a pair will but it's not like all the pairs will.

You will not be able to stop sparrows from entering any hole that a bluebird can get through. Troyers have a bluebird house design that is smaller than most sparrows like but bluebirds don't mind. Usually the sparrows leave the babies alone once they see the house is too small for them to nest in. H...

Same thing I was wandering...?

Awesome looking bird, Kyler!

I agree with Louise. It works really well for me.

Very interesting! Thank you!

Is it any worse than inside a little wire cage frantically pushing its beak between wires in hopes of escape until its bleeding all around its beak? With the sticky trap I had used, the bird simply got its wings stuck and soon after was euthanized. :wink: The sticky didn't kill the bird only held it...

Yes very possibly time to get more housing. And very likely there were more inside. I was just thinking how I can easily forget that there are two adult birds per cavity.

If there are 12 cavities and 14 martins, that means there would be 7 pair (if 7 are males and 7 are females) which would leave 5 vacant cavities.

The trap works on any entrance but only on gourds with a troyer neck/tunnel.

You could maybe use a sticky mouse trap. Just be really careful that a martin doesn't get in it.

Ya typically fully feathered young don't just fall out. Rather, they are intentionally jumping out. They are usually trying to escape heat or mites, but sometimes I believe they are just trying to fledge a little before they are ready.

I haven't had any issues with mine. Typically if they get on the porch they are about ready to fledge. (or jump)

The best way is to find a local person who is licensed to band martins. Ask them if they would be interested in coming to your colony and banding your nestlings. Since there are only a few people in the country licensed to band purple martins, it may not be possible.

I added my first chalet this year and it has a pair!

Thanks! Last year I did not find any banded sub adults returning to my colony. However, our neighbors about a mile away got two of my banded sub adults! So I will be able to track these some, but I wont know how many young they raise and some other misc. info like that.

Great news!!! So happy for you! I am certain he will have a female join him soon. Hopefully they will attract several other pairs and all will be successful.

Very sad but interesting! I have had nestlings banded in my colony last year and the year before and plan to again this year. So the stories are just beginning.