Chasing or playing martins?

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Buckizig
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon May 31, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Russells Point Ohio
Martin Colony History: Landlord last year

I have an adult pm (around about 12 days now) it seems when a sub-adult male comes around the adult he chases him from entrance hole to entrance hole. Is this normal?
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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

Yes, its normal. The first male at a new site is often very protective until he attracts a female. After a while, he will usually let the other males stay. Either he gets used to them being around, or he is simply tired of chasing them. Another reason, young SY males will sometimes throw out eggs or babies if the parents are gone. He really don't want the young males at his cavity.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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