Purple Martin Forum

The weather has been incredibly hot. The last two nest check had 12 dead chicks. Before the weather took a turn we had 117 eggs/chicks. We’ve had hot days before, but I wonder if the humidity is making a difference.

Thanks

I’m adding another house this spring. I purchased some starling excluders. I was going to put them on the new house, but should I mix and match them between the two houses. Thoughts.

Once nesting has taken place, is it okay to close the unused entrances?

I catch mice in mine all the time

How about stragglers? The bulk of the martins passed through last week. Yesterday a single showed up and has been hanging with the barn swallows. Is this guy going to make it all by himself?

We live on a farm and have tons of room. Right now I have birds moving through…50 to 75 per day. New bunches stay and feed and then leave. Kinda fun.

I lost some birds in the old house and really don’t want them to use it anymore. What are the odds of a disaster if I don’t put it up or put it up with the holes blocked.

I built a Martin house of some old plans and the design doesn’t allow me to clean it at all. I have built a T4 and I would like to replace the old one. Do I have to put the old one back up alongside the new one?

I purchased a trap this spring. I caught probably 100 this summer. I catch an average of five on a good day. Still didn’t put a dent in the population.

My martins left a week or so ago, but I have groups passing through. They stay on the high line and don’t mess with my house. Should I take my house down.