Opinions on my new gourd rack please

[Debi]

Hi, this is my first post. I have been lucky enough to host martins for a few years now. I started with an old house I found in the original box in my parents garage after they passed away. A coworker convinced me to put it up. Was lucky enough to have martins that first year. Have since upgraded house to 6 large compartments with SREH. It is hard to do nest checks because of pole I keep it for sentimental reasons. 3 years ago I ordered a 12 unit gourd rack with troyer vertical gourds. Last season ( second with this system) I had 100 % occupancy. I recently ordered a new system from PMCA identical but with troyer horizontal gourds. Now my question is should I put 6 of each on each rack or will my returning martins have a problem with the change? Also would like your opinions on drilling out the vent holes on both types of troyer gourds. I had a jumper last year that had a nasty nest. Thanks.

[apundt-TX]

The martins are bonded to your site not necessarily to a nesting hole so you can arrange your gourds as you wish ever year.

As for the second question on vents what do you mean a nasty nest?

[Debi]

It was late in season. Hot but wet summer. Pine straw was wet and foul. Cleaned it out put baby back and he fledged soon after. Thanks

[apundt-TX]

A nest change out in that situation is the right thing to do.
I don't think a vent would have prevented that nest getting wet.
Vents are mostly used for moving hot air out of the house or gourd.

[~Ray~Gingerich]

My opinion is that all plastc gourds should have vents, especially the horizontal gourds. I think maybe the problem with those is there isn't enough height in the gourd to provide a good draft?
Have a nice season!