Trio Martin Safety System 12 (Grandpa) <- How is this hou
Seems like a pretty good house for the price. . . aluminum, knock out holes to make rooms larger, pulley system for raising and lowering. I didn't see any reviews in the market place does anyone own this house and if so do you have any feedback? Thanks
I think you're going to get some great feedback here.
The Martin Safety System 12 (or MSS-12) has been a hugely successful platform for decades.
Hopefully forum member "Dorn County" enters in.
I think he has built, and managed more of them, than anyone I know.
The Martin Safety System 12 (or MSS-12) has been a hugely successful platform for decades.
Hopefully forum member "Dorn County" enters in.
I think he has built, and managed more of them, than anyone I know.
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
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Trio-Jedi
ha!
Matt you are killing me.
I like the system. The one drawback for an active owner is the safety latch. I do not like it, I actually trim the safety off. it makes lowering the house a pain and actually dangerous when eggs and babies are present.
That said the Trio design is well tested and they last at least 30 years when maintained properly. If you do expand the compartments I would recommend the excluder doors vs the crescents. I believe they are better at keeping the starlings out.
And of course with the Trios you can get a Spar-o-door which might be the best sparrow trap ever invented.
I am not fond of the current Nature House ownership group(Erva Tool). That group unless they change for the better will eventually kill that product line.
All that said the house in it's current form with the safety latch removed is as good a house as any on the market and will last as long if no longer than any.
Edited to add: This house has proven excellent in the heat resistance category, which will be needed in your TX environments. I had a summer where we were over 95 for 25 of the 30 nestling cycle days.. over 100 for like 14 of those days. Just brutal conditions. I only lost one young out of a full house of 12 compartments in 2 houses.
Matt you are killing me.
I like the system. The one drawback for an active owner is the safety latch. I do not like it, I actually trim the safety off. it makes lowering the house a pain and actually dangerous when eggs and babies are present.
That said the Trio design is well tested and they last at least 30 years when maintained properly. If you do expand the compartments I would recommend the excluder doors vs the crescents. I believe they are better at keeping the starlings out.
And of course with the Trios you can get a Spar-o-door which might be the best sparrow trap ever invented.
I am not fond of the current Nature House ownership group(Erva Tool). That group unless they change for the better will eventually kill that product line.
All that said the house in it's current form with the safety latch removed is as good a house as any on the market and will last as long if no longer than any.
Edited to add: This house has proven excellent in the heat resistance category, which will be needed in your TX environments. I had a summer where we were over 95 for 25 of the 30 nestling cycle days.. over 100 for like 14 of those days. Just brutal conditions. I only lost one young out of a full house of 12 compartments in 2 houses.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
Thanks DornCounty, that is excellent feedback and exactly what I was looking for. It seems like a great house for the money. I am leaning towards trying one, however my wife wants me to splurge and get a Trendsetter 8 instead. . . so I am doing my research and weighting the pros and cons between each.
Do you have the winch addition on your pole or do you just use the rope pulley? Thanks again.
Do you have the winch addition on your pole or do you just use the rope pulley? Thanks again.
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi
ck40711 wrote:Thanks DornCounty, that is excellent feedback and exactly what I was looking for. It seems like a great house for the money. I am leaning towards trying one, however my wife wants me to splurge and get a Trendsetter 8 instead. . . so I am doing my research and weighting the pros and cons between each.
Do you have the winch addition on your pole or do you just use the rope pulley? Thanks again.
A few questions to ask yourself....
What houses are typical for my area? Use the house most like the successful colonies around you. You will get more visitors that way as the martins are more familiar with it. I assume you are just starting a colony. If so I start with the more common and economical setup.
Personally I like the ropes on the small houses.. Quicker, with less to go wrong. I manage 40+ houses like this and a few have winches. The Rope is simpler and quicker. At my home colony I take the houses down after the season and the rope setup is easier to do that with.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
My only experience as a landlord is with the S&K plastic houses. Started out as cheap as possible just to get into it, and had a couple of pairs for 2 years. This house I am looking to buy however is for my new residence which I have yet to put a martin house up at yet. I realize I am way to late for this year, but am trying to get my research done so I can purchase and be ready for next season (January for where I am).
To answer your question in my area I see mostly Heath 12 or 24 room houses and they are always full. I do see a couple of the Grandpa Trio houses as well that have birds. I have never seen a Trendsetter house in my area, which is why I am a little reluctant to spend $700 for one, when I could get the Grandpa for $350.
Question for you. Is their a reason why you take your house(s) down in the off season vs. just cleaning them, then leaving them up with the doors plugged?
To answer your question in my area I see mostly Heath 12 or 24 room houses and they are always full. I do see a couple of the Grandpa Trio houses as well that have birds. I have never seen a Trendsetter house in my area, which is why I am a little reluctant to spend $700 for one, when I could get the Grandpa for $350.
Question for you. Is their a reason why you take your house(s) down in the off season vs. just cleaning them, then leaving them up with the doors plugged?
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
We take ours down to get them out of the elements - salt air here on the coast is hard on metal. Plus hurricane season can last into November. At the very least, lower them and plug them, and inspect cables, etc, and lubricate every season.
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Andrew,
I concur with Matt that you have the most experience with the Trio houses. The Parsons, KS project must seem overwhelming at times. How many houses do you manage currently and how many viable, potential houses are there to be repaired?
The other day I responded to a post by you. I read my post later and realized that I was answering the question for others who are less experienced with Trio houses. I was trying to anticipate questions that others might ask in the future. In the process, I realize that I was giving information that you know better than me. Please understand, I acknowledge that you have more experience and knowledge than me about Trio house repair. My post was not directed at you, I was providing the information for those who might need that info now or in the future.
My apologies to you.
Mark.
I concur with Matt that you have the most experience with the Trio houses. The Parsons, KS project must seem overwhelming at times. How many houses do you manage currently and how many viable, potential houses are there to be repaired?
The other day I responded to a post by you. I read my post later and realized that I was answering the question for others who are less experienced with Trio houses. I was trying to anticipate questions that others might ask in the future. In the process, I realize that I was giving information that you know better than me. Please understand, I acknowledge that you have more experience and knowledge than me about Trio house repair. My post was not directed at you, I was providing the information for those who might need that info now or in the future.
My apologies to you.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi
Yeah. .I take them down to prevent possible storm damage and overall weathering. My guess is it will double the life of the system and save me a ton of trouble replacing a pole if a bad storm hits.ck40711 wrote:My only experience as a landlord is with the S&K plastic houses. Started out as cheap as possible just to get into it, and had a couple of pairs for 2 years. This house I am looking to buy however is for my new residence which I have yet to put a martin house up at yet. I realize I am way to late for this year, but am trying to get my research done so I can purchase and be ready for next season (January for where I am).
To answer your question in my area I see mostly Heath 12 or 24 room houses and they are always full. I do see a couple of the Grandpa Trio houses as well that have birds. I have never seen a Trendsetter house in my area, which is why I am a little reluctant to spend $700 for one, when I could get the Grandpa for $350.
Question for you. Is their a reason why you take your house(s) down in the off season vs. just cleaning them, then leaving them up with the doors plugged?
If I'm you I start with a smaller system like a grandpa... but really with an established colony they will take to just about any well designed housing.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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DornCounty
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:58 pm
- Location: Rural SE Kansas
- Martin Colony History: .
.
Trio-Jedi
First off no one should ever apologize for answering a question.. there is no one person here that knows it all or is the end all for any type of house or question.. so no need to go there. I will never be offended for someone answering a question directed at me. If I feel it is wrong I will speak up, if I have something to add I will add. Heck I may not even see it. No egos here on my end.. whatever we can do to get folks educated.4th Gen Martin Fan wrote:Andrew,
I concur with Matt that you have the most experience with the Trio houses. The Parsons, KS project must seem overwhelming at times. How many houses do you manage currently and how many viable, potential houses are there to be repaired?
The other day I responded to a post by you. I read my post later and realized that I was answering the question for others who are less experienced with Trio houses. I was trying to anticipate questions that others might ask in the future. In the process, I realize that I was giving information that you know better than me. Please understand, I acknowledge that you have more experience and knowledge than me about Trio house repair. My post was not directed at you, I was providing the information for those who might need that info now or in the future.
My apologies to you.
Mark.
To answer the other question we have ~ 40 houses up right now. with another 20 or so that could be put up. The colony used to push 80 houses.. it will not be that big again as long as I am the leader. The house have been reduced and consolidated to make them more manageable. The consolidation makes things much easier. I have found that through shear will and determination that HOSP populations can actually be reduced to a statistical non-factor.
2017 - Home & Public Colonies - 300 Cavities
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
ck40711,
Although I like the Trio houses, I admire the Trendsetter because they look more water resistant to allow dry nests, have nest trays to allow easier inspection/care of the nests, have a more sturdy square pole to withstand the wind & allow the house to be lowered in stormy weather, and seem more sturdy.
I know that you are planning for next year but I wish that you could erect a house now. At a minimum it will give your location some martin exposure this year. At a maximum you will get some displaced ASYs or some SYs this year.
Mark.
Although I like the Trio houses, I admire the Trendsetter because they look more water resistant to allow dry nests, have nest trays to allow easier inspection/care of the nests, have a more sturdy square pole to withstand the wind & allow the house to be lowered in stormy weather, and seem more sturdy.
I know that you are planning for next year but I wish that you could erect a house now. At a minimum it will give your location some martin exposure this year. At a maximum you will get some displaced ASYs or some SYs this year.
Mark.
Last edited by 4th Gen Martin Fan on Wed Apr 29, 2015 9:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Andrew,
Thank you for the response. I feel better that everything is good.
I wish I could help repair Parsons houses but I live too far away. I suspect that I would drive you crazy with my slow pace and perfectionism. You have too many houses to repair to put up with me.
I am trying to help landlords in my community. 7 Trio houses repaired/restored/modified so far. About 6 more Trios to go.
More work has gone into 3 S&K houses than I want to admit to and I know that they will never be as good as the Trios.
2 pitiful, dilapidated wood T14 which have the largest number of martin pairs in town. This season I am just trying to maintain the T14s for the current martins. Thankfully the T14s are not beyond repair. I just am not equipped for woodworking projects.
These projects have made me aware that anyone with a large colony or several mentees has got their hands full.
How you can manage the Parsons project is beyond me.
Mark.
Thank you for the response. I feel better that everything is good.
I wish I could help repair Parsons houses but I live too far away. I suspect that I would drive you crazy with my slow pace and perfectionism. You have too many houses to repair to put up with me.
I am trying to help landlords in my community. 7 Trio houses repaired/restored/modified so far. About 6 more Trios to go.
More work has gone into 3 S&K houses than I want to admit to and I know that they will never be as good as the Trios.
2 pitiful, dilapidated wood T14 which have the largest number of martin pairs in town. This season I am just trying to maintain the T14s for the current martins. Thankfully the T14s are not beyond repair. I just am not equipped for woodworking projects.
These projects have made me aware that anyone with a large colony or several mentees has got their hands full.
How you can manage the Parsons project is beyond me.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
I have had MANY of these over the years having placed them at a number of satellite sites as well as at my home site.
My favorite feature of this house is how it works so well with that lifesaver for purple martin lovers called the Spar o Door. If I had not had that device to help me control the dreaded House Sparrows I do not think I would have ever been able to attract purple martin colonies. Even when I mixed gourd racks in with the MSS house poles I found the Spar o Doors very useful as the HS would investigate the little round entrances on the house even while they were most interested in a gourd.
I have used these houses in MD, DE, VA and FL and found them successful in all climates. Even in hot and humid South Florida, with the heavy downpours on a regular basis there, my martins have been successful. I do have the raised floors, of course, and I do use dry pine needles as the prenest as they do not wick up water. Only once in the decades I have used these house did I really have a serious problem with drenched nests and that was during a near hurricane with drenching rains for house combined with his winds. Blew the rain sideways.
I purchased a number of MSS-8's and modified them to four condos. I just like the looks of that house and found it lightweight and easy to raise and lower. I have also had the MSS-12 though. I use the Excluder entrances on all my houses even though I really like the crescents with the little lip inside the door plates. I find that the martins do fine with the Excluders and I have never had a starling breech that entrance. I have had smaller starlings get past the crescents on occasion. I have had some problem each year with wing entrapment but not much. I wish the company would address this problem.
On the negative side, I HATE putting these houses together with "a million little parts" and my sometimes shaky hands. I find that very time consuming and stressful. One time the manufacturer tried using rivets instead of bolts and nuts but those did not hold up well at all in my houses. I ended up replacing those rivets with the old bolts, washers and nuts.
I always took the top sections of my houses off the poles in late August and stored them in my garage until March. That reduced weathering and deterioration of the rope. Lately though I have had to leave the houses out year round due to my personal situation. I find that the houses do not go up and down the pole smoothly now. I guess that weathering, corrosion, dirt etc has entered the lanyard lock or something. Really do not know. Frustrating. I DO like the lanyard lock, in general, as I feel the house is not going to come crashing down on some kid or troublemaker messing with the rope.
I like how the modified house has the "foyer" and the back/side nesting chamber. I feel like that area is drier and safer from predators than many houses.
Another feature I do not care for is the round pole. I have had problems at times with it wanting to move inside the ground socket if I do not REALLY TIGHTEN up that clamp to the MAX.
Martins love these houses and House Sparrows are fairly easy to control with the Spar o Door.
That pretty well sums it up....
Carl
My favorite feature of this house is how it works so well with that lifesaver for purple martin lovers called the Spar o Door. If I had not had that device to help me control the dreaded House Sparrows I do not think I would have ever been able to attract purple martin colonies. Even when I mixed gourd racks in with the MSS house poles I found the Spar o Doors very useful as the HS would investigate the little round entrances on the house even while they were most interested in a gourd.
I have used these houses in MD, DE, VA and FL and found them successful in all climates. Even in hot and humid South Florida, with the heavy downpours on a regular basis there, my martins have been successful. I do have the raised floors, of course, and I do use dry pine needles as the prenest as they do not wick up water. Only once in the decades I have used these house did I really have a serious problem with drenched nests and that was during a near hurricane with drenching rains for house combined with his winds. Blew the rain sideways.
I purchased a number of MSS-8's and modified them to four condos. I just like the looks of that house and found it lightweight and easy to raise and lower. I have also had the MSS-12 though. I use the Excluder entrances on all my houses even though I really like the crescents with the little lip inside the door plates. I find that the martins do fine with the Excluders and I have never had a starling breech that entrance. I have had smaller starlings get past the crescents on occasion. I have had some problem each year with wing entrapment but not much. I wish the company would address this problem.
On the negative side, I HATE putting these houses together with "a million little parts" and my sometimes shaky hands. I find that very time consuming and stressful. One time the manufacturer tried using rivets instead of bolts and nuts but those did not hold up well at all in my houses. I ended up replacing those rivets with the old bolts, washers and nuts.
I always took the top sections of my houses off the poles in late August and stored them in my garage until March. That reduced weathering and deterioration of the rope. Lately though I have had to leave the houses out year round due to my personal situation. I find that the houses do not go up and down the pole smoothly now. I guess that weathering, corrosion, dirt etc has entered the lanyard lock or something. Really do not know. Frustrating. I DO like the lanyard lock, in general, as I feel the house is not going to come crashing down on some kid or troublemaker messing with the rope.
I like how the modified house has the "foyer" and the back/side nesting chamber. I feel like that area is drier and safer from predators than many houses.
Another feature I do not care for is the round pole. I have had problems at times with it wanting to move inside the ground socket if I do not REALLY TIGHTEN up that clamp to the MAX.
Martins love these houses and House Sparrows are fairly easy to control with the Spar o Door.
That pretty well sums it up....
Carl
^This is good advice, I just assumed it was too late for any good of this year. You are right though, at least it will get some exposure to birds still in the area or traveling back south at the end of the year.4th Gen Martin Fan wrote:ck40711,
. . . . I know that you are planning for next year but I wish that you could erect a house now. At a minimum it will give your location some martin exposure this year. At a maximum you will get some displaced ASYs or some SYs this year.
Mark.
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Carlton
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm
- Location: Florida/Deerfield Beach
- Martin Colony History: I moved to South Florida, from Delaware, in August of 2015.
I care for a 6 condo Sunset House as well as two Deluxe Gourd Racks, with 24 Chirpynest/Excluder gourds, along a canal in Pompano Beach, Florida.
At Quiet Waters Park, nearby in Deerfield Beach, I care for a Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 TVG's. I also care for a Deluxe Gourd rack with 12 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder entrances. I am substituting 6 Chirpynest boxes for 6 of the Conley II entranced gourds in 2026.
At another local park, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, I care for a Trendsetter 12, 5 gourds rack with 60 Excluder gourds with Modified Excluder Entrances and 1 Deluxe Gourd Rack with 12 Troyer Vertical Gourds with Starling Stoppers over the Conley II's to keep out smaller starlings.
As far as the Trendsetter houses go I love that house too. It comes assembled and is made of a thicker grade of aluminum. It is heavier, larger and more bulky. It requires the wench. I had the Trendsetter 8 and found it a well designed and very attractive house. I bought the wooden nesting trays. I also had mine made with the Excluder entrances. I did have to file down a couple of wooden nesting trays a tiny bit as I noticed they did impinge a bit on the Excluder door opening. I bought the sliding doors with the large vent holes so I could trade off when the weather got brutally hot in June. I love the sliding doors to the compartments. It is a very well designed house and has a square or rectangular pole so it will not allow the house to rotate to the wrong direction.
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
ck,
John Barrow gave a very encouraging report that he is seeing SYs migrating through right now in his Corpus Christi/Sandia colony.
I would hope that you could get 1-2 SY pair this season.
My sister in Seguin, TX has a K-Series 18 gourd rack with THGs she erected last year. Last year she had 4 pair of mixed ASY and SY martins. This year she has 16 pair of ASYs and she is expecting to fill the last 2 THGs with SYs in the next few weeks. Then full gourd rack!
Since you are NNW of Houston, even she is encouraging you to get a house up this season!!
Mark.
John Barrow gave a very encouraging report that he is seeing SYs migrating through right now in his Corpus Christi/Sandia colony.
I would hope that you could get 1-2 SY pair this season.
My sister in Seguin, TX has a K-Series 18 gourd rack with THGs she erected last year. Last year she had 4 pair of mixed ASY and SY martins. This year she has 16 pair of ASYs and she is expecting to fill the last 2 THGs with SYs in the next few weeks. Then full gourd rack!
Since you are NNW of Houston, even she is encouraging you to get a house up this season!!
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Thank you all for your feedback. Even though I know I am extremely late for this season I am going to order a Trio MSS12 (Grandpa) today and get it up as quick as possible. I contemplated the Trendsetter 8 and Heath 12 room octagon as well. The Trendsetter is awesome, but this house will be going up in my backyard (which is a small lot in a neighborhood), so I thought the smaller dimensions and more traditional look of the MSS12 might be a safer option from a looks standpoint. Plus since I am just starting out so it is hard to justify the price of the Trendsetter (at least at this point). My research seems to indicate that the Heath is not a very good option at all and hard to do nest checks. I think the MSS12 is the right choice, thanks again for everyone's feedback and help.
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Anthony Neira
- Posts: 1319
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:12 pm
- Location: San Antonio /Texas
- Martin Colony History: Started in 1992 From neighbors old 1950-60's colonies. Have 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 4 MPP Poles, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals ,& 2 S&K 11" WITH Troyer Porches ready for 2019 Season !
Cool ! Cool, Cool, Cool ! As Abed would say! Good all around choice, ..now , about that LANYARD lock thing... 
Last edited by Anthony Neira on Thu May 07, 2015 1:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
PMCA Member, 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals + Tunnels, & 2 S&K Bo 11"s WITH Troyer Porches ! 4 MPPs, For 2019 Season !! 
Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.
Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.-
Anthony Neira
- Posts: 1319
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:12 pm
- Location: San Antonio /Texas
- Martin Colony History: Started in 1992 From neighbors old 1950-60's colonies. Have 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 4 MPP Poles, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals ,& 2 S&K 11" WITH Troyer Porches ready for 2019 Season !
that LANYARD lock thing .... you know it was designed by the S&S ! 
you know it was designed by the S&S ! PMCA Member, 8 Trio 6 Room Houses, 1 Heath Deluxe Gourd with Troyer Porch, 8 NatureLine Gourds with Troyer Porches, 5 Troyer Horizontals + Tunnels, & 2 S&K Bo 11"s WITH Troyer Porches ! 4 MPPs, For 2019 Season !! Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.
Started in 1992 from Older '50-'60s Colonies.