A suggestion for gourds and poles

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I am new to Purple Martin homes. I intend to put up a pole with gourds. I am including a photo of the pole I have been looking at. it is made by Bird Abodes, model #DGR. It is expensive but seemingly strong, easy to use and attractive. I only want to put up four gourds, so I need suggestions for gourds that will attract PM's.

Help... and Thanks

Walt
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Purple Martin poles with gourds
Purple Martin poles with gourds
Bird Abodes.jpg (386.29 KiB) Viewed 4153 times
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Emil Pampell-Tx
Posts: 6743
Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas

The pole looks fine to me. The pole is very important, it needs to be strong so it will not blow down in a storm. Raising and lowering the gourds with a rope makes having martins enjoyable. Only putting a few gourds on it is great for attracting martins. Many people put too many gourds on a weak pole, causing the pole to bend. You seem to have made some excellent choices....good luck
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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Sandy - NC
Posts: 617
Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 6:40 pm
Location: Rocky Mount, NC

That looks like a good setup to get. It is strong, can easily be raised and lowered. Supergourds, which is what is pictured, are good way to go, but be sure to get SREH equipped gourds to help keep starlings out. No one type of gourd will attract martins over another type, so don't get into that kind of hype. Buy quality to begin with and you won't find yourself double buying because you start with cheap inferior stuff. Not expensive if you buy quality first. Stay away from any type of telescoping pole, no matter who makes it. They are too hard to raise and lower, and again, you will end up rebuying.
Don't ever, ever give up. It will happen.

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tonyg
Posts: 1520
Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:16 pm
Location: Olpe, KS
Martin Colony History: 22 year landlord, 14 at current residence..offering 9 racks and a homemade T-8 for 166 total cavities. 160 Pair in 2018 Racks consist of a Deluxe 12, AAA 16, Starburst 16, 2 K-18 Series, Super 24, 2 Gemini, Multi-purpose/two trio’s/4gourds and a T-8..Great hobby to be involved in..

Troyer verticals or horizontals are another very good gourd to consider. Bo 11's are a nice gourd also.
22 year landlord..9 Rack Systems for 2018 and my home built T-8 for a total of 166 cavities..160 pair in 2018 ..SUPER COLONY!!! Love You Bev... Fan of those St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!
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gwarnerjr
Posts: 153
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:36 am
Location: Virginia/Northern Neck

Looks like a fine pole. You say you are only going to put up 4 gourds but after the martins find your place that will never be enough! Looks like this pole can handle plenty more.
First pair in 2005
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Dave Reynolds
Posts: 2444
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:35 pm
Location: Little Hocking, Oh.
Martin Colony History: Satellite Site “Oxbow Golf Course”..
2018 - 15 Pair, 36 Fledged
2019 - 26 Pair, 97 Fledged
2020 - 30 Pair, 137 Fledged
2021 - 30 Pair, 144 Fledged
2022 - 27 Pair, 125 Fledged
2023 - 31 Pair, 130 Fledged
2024 - 41 Pair, 198 Fledged
2025 - 44 Pair, 168 Fledged

Home Site "Little Hocking, Ohio".
2019 - 1 Pair, 5 Fledged
2020 - 1 Pair, 4 Fledged
2021 - 8 Pair, 36 Fledged
2022 - 13 Pair, 46 Fledged
2023 - 16 Pair, 84 Fledged
2024 - 22 Pair, 104 Fledged
2025 - 28 Pair, 83 Fledged

Walt -- Welcome to the Forum. Pole looks great. Good system.. Nice area Have a good year. :lol:

Dave
PMCA Member
Little Hocking, Ohio
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Patrick W. Dusek
Posts: 167
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2003 9:35 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

That pole will work, go with troyer verticals gourds! Later Patrick
Spring time yet???
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