Effectiveness of bent rod Owl guards ???

[Hanover Bill]

I need to put owl guards on some new gourds I purchased over the winter. Are the standard gourd owl guards using 2 rods bent down 6-8 inches in front of the gourd porch still considered effective, or has the completely enclosed wire cage become the owl guard of choice? Obviously the rods are a little easier to make and fit, but I want something that will be effective in fending off any owls that may show up.

Thanks;
Hanover Bill.

[~Ray~Gingerich]

The bent rods would only prevent an owl from hovering directly in front of the gourd or latching on to an entrance or porch with it's talons. The owl could still beat up the gourd from the side with it's wings to chase the martins out or sit on top and grab a martin as it exits. So I would say somewhat effective but not nearly 100%

[tonyg]

After watching video from Kathy Freeze post on her owl attacks, I've come to the conclusion that if an owl knows there is food present in a gourd or house, it will go to any extreme to get to it for a meal, no matter the guard..but the wire cages would be the best choice over anything..but on her video, it attached itself to the cage and beat its wings to flush them out....

[John Miller]

I have wondered too. From everything I've read, I have concluded the prongs may help thwart owl predation initially, but probably not stop an owl that has been attacking. The prongs also may help prevent an owl from occasionally flying in at dusk or dawn and picking an adult off the porch, and could help with hawk attacks as well. All this I base on reading here over the years...fortunately I have not had major owl predation, even though GHO call urban park where I manage housing their home too. I think the owls here mostly feed on rabbits and squirrels, both probably more numerous in an urban park than in the countryside.

[Tim Mangan-Kansas]

The mesh wire cage surrounding the housing is the best deterrent against owl predation. Over the years, I come to the conclusion that I don't like any type of perch rods, owl guards or anything else a few inches in front of the entrance. IMO, this provides an hawk/owl the opportunity to grasp the rod with one talon while reaching into the nesting chamber with the other.