What is the best nest bedding material?

[CHenry]

I have lots of wheat straw, is this a good bedding material?

[Dave S (Texas)]

I use Aspen bedding. It contains no aromatic oils and the birds accept it. Some use just it while others haul in their own nest material and build on the Aspen. The major pet stores carry it.

[trank]

I used to use baled winter wheat straw but the Martins would usually throw it out. Now I use White Pine needles [pine straw] and haven't had any problems since. Wheat straw will work you can cut it to the length of 3" to 4" and then use as bedding material.

Tom

[Michael Sanford ~ OK]

Wheat straw is what I use.

[Linda Reynolds]

Wheat straw and pine needles, and possibly other native grass reeds are great pre-nesting material.

Be cautious, and alert when using a material such as aspen/cedar shavings or chips as pre-nest material. Eggs have a tendency to sink and possibly get lost in loose, less-than-dense, non-structured material. When doing nest inspections, make sure you probe if you do not find the expected amount of eggs.

We use cut lengths of white pine needles, and place an abundance of pre-nest within our gourds. It is amazing to see how much the material compresses even after just two adults claim the cavity and use it for a week or two. The pine needles, or materials such as wheat straw provide a more structured and substantial base. The martins then add their own materials as are available in your area, and most usually top the nest off with green leaves.

[CraigMo.]

White pine needles works great.

[CHenry]

Thanks. I have been using wheat straw the 3 previous years since starting landlording Martins but wasn't sure if there was something better or something the martins might prefer more.
I'll continue using straw as pine needles are not available to me here that i know of.

[Matt F.]

Hi CHenry.

Keep in mind, if you decide to try pine needles (which I highly recommend), you can order a large box from the PMCA.
Here is that link:
Click here for pine needles from the PMCA store

Another thing that is really really good about pine needles, is that of all of the natural, Martin nesting materials, they are probably one of the best at not retaining moisture, and keeping the nest dry.

[CHenry]

Hi CHenry.

Keep in mind, if you decide to try pine needles (which I highly recommend), you can order a large box from the PMCA.
Here is that link:
Click here for pine needles from the PMCA store

Another thing that is really really good about pine needles, is that of all of the natural, Martin nesting materials, they are probably one of the best at not retaining moisture, and keeping the nest dry.

Thats a good point! I'll consider that.

[Guest]

I have lots of wheat straw, is this a good bedding material?

I have used pine needles for several years and prefer them because they drain so well and the pm droppings fall through. Have tried other stuff but it soaks from rain and decays before the end of the season, trapping parasites. When given a chance at my site, the PM's will bring in needles in preference to straw and twigs.

[CHenry]

I don't see pine needles for sale here on the website?

[JamesinIA]

It's under attraction tools.

[Joe Creason KY]

I have been using pine needles that I purchase at Lowe's. You can buy a bale that will probably bed a couple hundred gourds for about $4.25. So relatively inexpensive and they really like them. I use a 1/4 teaspoon of Sevin dust 7% that I dump in the bottom of the gourd. I take my hand and just smear the dust all over the bottom of the gourd, trying not to get the dust up above where the bedding material will be. Then I take a hand full of the pine needles and place them in the gourd. I then try to form a bowl shape to the nest. It has worked well for me in the past few years. I do not have any trouble with flies and mites when I prepare my gourds in these steps. Sincerely, Joe

[landonn]

Chenry,

Do you have any white pines in your area? If you do, you can gather the pine needles and use them. I did it last year. After I got the pine needles, I let them dry out for a of couple days.

Landon

[CHenry]

Chenry,

Do you have any white pines in your area? If you do, you can gather the pine needles and use them. I did it last year. After I got the pine needles, I let them dry out for a of couple days.

Landon

the only pine trees in my area are the ones I planted in the yard but they are very small still and don't drop enough needles for me to gather. I'll look at Lowes today.

[Tim Stover]

will any pine needles work have a lot of loblolly pine needles they are 6 to 10 inches long

[Guest]

I have tried quite a few different things and nothing ( so far ) comes close to White Pine straw. White Pine needles are so soft compared to most other pine needles. Have any of you tried packing peanuts? They would be water resistant, soft and have a high insulation rating. But they are a petroleum based product (?) and probably not the healthiest product. Or are packing peanuts bio-degradable as my son says they are now and not made from petroleum any more ?

[Unk Bond]

Hello
Up for another read [ Later

[Martintown33]

I use pine needles.. they repel water to a degree and seem to make for a dry nest..
Rob

[Dave Reynolds]

.... I use pine needles from the pine trees out at the Golf Course... They have plenty... The Martins just build on top of the pine needles, later in the season.. Good Luck

Dave