Thoughts on tunnel entrances on T-14

[Andy H]

I've seen some tunnel entrances installed on T-14s... this is what I plan on building, and with zero experience..The idea sounds like a good one.

I look at it and think, better weather protection, and better protection from raptors. If this is indeed valid I would think it would be worth incorporating in my first build.

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

I see no problem with using tunnels on the T-14, and it most likely increase your chances of attracting martins, I like the idea but never have tried it. If you enclose your housing in a wire cage for owl protection, then the tunnels most likely are not necessary.

[Jeff Robinson]

Andy,

You'll find lots of alternatives for your T14. Below link shows examples of T14s with owl guards, including with gourds hung from the house as well.

https://www.google.com/search?q=t14+wit ... B350%3B317


Jeff

[JamesinIA]

I installed the Troyer tunnels on my T-14 and alternated the placement of them front to side that you can see in one of the photos in the previous post. There is less chance of porch domination and my Martins seem to like this setup. I think that is how Andy Troyer is making his own houses now.

[Dave Duit]

I think James is spot on with his advice. Troyer tunnels on T14 is a good selection. I use the troyer tunnels with anti-wing entrapment and conley 2 entrance.

[Matt F.]

There's a great photo I stumbled on, that shows a T-14 with Troyer tunnels on a few compartments.
I think it does a good job of comparing the appearance, and depth, of T-14 compartments both with, and without a tunnel added.
The photo is on the New York State Purple Martin Project website.
Here is the link to the page:
http://www.friendsofiroquoisnwr.org/pur ... media.html
The photo is on the right side of the page, and is titled "Iroquois Job Corps".
The photo is by Celeste Morien.

[Andy H]

Thanks Matt!

That is a good photo showing exactly what Im considering on my build.

I dont particularly prefer the look of a T-14 with tunnel entrances, but if its a big improvement for protection from weather and other winged enemies I may install the up front before I ever hang the T-14.

[RC Moser]

IMO the T-14 can be built with build in predator guards. I personally think the GHOST T-14 in the best design.. IMO even if you use tunnels I would still Design L shaped cavities on 75% of the cavities By of setting the entries from front to side on each section to reduce porch dominance . On the straight entry cavities I would build and internal baffle to hide the nest chamber. This IMO would be the safest T-14 if Safety from predators in your concern. All the add on protection on tradition style T-14s Entries all on front) like rods, cages, and tunnels are really not needed on modified T-14 that has the GHOST concept of protection in mind IMO. Others may disagree.

[Matt F.]

Going with what R.C. was talking about, here's a thread that shows a couple of T-14 (one's actually a T-10), with the staggered entrances.
The T-10 photo is located about halfway down the thread, and uses tunnels.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17225

[Matt F.]

Also,
Here's a thread that shows the GHOST house design R.C. also mentioned.
The design is by Martin landlord Kenny Fecker.
GHOST is an acronym for Great Horned Owl Safe T
There are photos posted by Louise towards the bottom of this thread:
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8410

[MamaBruff]

So is anybody building and selling these awesome GHOST houses? Looks like a wonderful setup, with protection not only from owls, but other winged predators.... My fantasy is to have enough Purple Martins that I should add more housing. Good to learn what is out there...

[Andy H]

Are there plans available for the GHOST?

I've already purchased T-14 plans and hardware, but I like to read so no loss there.

Andy

[RC Moser]

So is anybody building and selling these awesome GHOST houses? Looks like a wonderful setup, with protection not only from owls, but other winged predators.... My fantasy is to have enough Purple Martins that I should add more housing. Good to learn what is out there...

Nope, you have to build them or modify existing one.

"I've already purchased T-14 plans and hardware" as long as you haven't cut the holes in the doors it can be easily modified to fit your needs. other than the entry holes the plans are the same, you just cut the holes at the backsides.. With the entry holes at the back that makes the nest at the front so when you open the door the nest is right there... Course nest trays also good upgrade.

[Andy H]

The roof is different and it would save me time if I had some dimensions or the porches, wire, and especially the nesting trays.

The nesting trays look way more secure. It may take a little longer to permorm inspections, but the added security would be worth it.

Andy

[Leandortree]

I built a Foyer for my T-14s that I add to resist or stop porch domination, it works very well as a predator guard too, owls can't see inside the nest chamber. The Foyer is really simple to make, is skookum, and very light weight. I will try to upload some photos. The Foyer with a rectangle entrance and no added porch works best to stop porch domination, in the photo with the three T-14s you can see it on the right side of the photo, it's not painted yet in the photo.

[Andy H]

Love the foyer idea! It looks great too...

I may have to build on this idea.

Thanks!
Andy

[trank]

Andy,

I built this T-10 several years ago and the martins really like it. Just another option for you to consider.

Tom