Replacing with Wooden Martin Houses near rivers

[LindaP]

We're rebuilding a very active Martin colony along the Mississippi River. We must replace the old houses and there is an objection from the head of the Community Betterment Committee to using the plastic gourds. My question is about using wood versus metal housing? My feeling is that wood is great but subject to rotting and a shorter life span of the house. Also the wood swelling might cause doors to stick closed preventing nest checks. What are your experiences with using wood in moist areas?

There is a man willing to build wooden Martin houses very reasonably I'm told. Of course, the weight of wood would be maybe 4 times heavier than a metal house so I need to consider the strength of a pole. I plan to use 3" poles. I also need to work within a small budget.

The colony is in a public area where there are sometimes events and vendors lining the streets. The Martins don't mind the noisy trains that roar by only feet away but humans can cause more issues.

Yes, I do have issues, but we are overcoming each one. Would love feedback on using wood or metal houses in a public area.

Linda

[sugarcreek]

My personal preference is ceder wood, a nice white painted ceder house to me looks fine, and will last a lifetime if taken care of...but just my preference !

Gourds - Heat you have to watch to make sure your ready for the summer heat

[daveh]

I would use plastic gourds or aluminum housing on public grounds. Not much matenance on these compared to wood.

Dave

[John Miller]

I'd probably not go with wood because of maintenance, and sometimes wooden houses attract sparrows and starlings more so than gourds. (sparrows will build in gourds but I think are easier to control than in houses).

If you have the budget, the Trendsetter line is the sturdiest aluminum housing on the market, and looks like a traditional bird house. it's heavier gauge aluminum than most, and now comes with a 3 inch square pole, which would be good for a public site.

If delivering a box of chocolate would help get reconsideration, I'd try to make a case that a gourd rack on a compact pole looks as attractive as houses. We use two 8 units gourd racks at Clarksville, Mo., along the riverfront.

If you email me, I can send you photos of our 18 gourd rack at Cahokia Mounds Historic Site in Illinois . It's the "delux" rack style.

But if houses are the only option, the martins foremost want someone to manage the housing and take care it. That's usually a challenge at a public site and I applaud your efforts.



John M

[Matt F.]

There is a man willing to build wooden Martin houses very reasonably I'm told. Of course, the weight of wood would be maybe 4 times heavier than a metal house so I need to consider the strength of a pole. I plan to use 3" poles. I also need to work within a small budget.

One thing you could possibly inquire about, is if the gentleman would build the houses using synthetic polywood? It would be a bit more expensive than wood of course, but it would be maintenance free and last indefinitely.

Another option would be to put some good old Trio/Nature House houses up (which coincidentally look a lot like the rectangular, wooden, 12-room houses you'd be replacing.)
Like John mentioned though, if they are within your budget, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Trendsetter houses.

This is such a great thing you're doing.
Hopefully the town, and/or other local entities will kick in some funding for the project as well.

[LindaP]

I'd probably not go with wood because of maintenance, and sometimes wooden houses attract sparrows and starlings more so than gourds. (sparrows will build in gourds but I think are easier to control than in houses).

If you have the budget, the Trendsetter line is the sturdiest aluminum housing on the market, and looks like a traditional bird house. it's heavier gauge aluminum than most, and now comes with a 3 inch square pole, which would be good for a public site.

If delivering a box of chocolate would help get reconsideration, I'd try to make a case that a gourd rack on a compact pole looks as attractive as houses. We use two 8 units gourd racks at Clarksville, Mo., along the riverfront.

If you email me, I can send you photos of our 18 gourd rack at Cahokia Mounds Historic Site in Illinois . It's the "delux" rack style.

But if houses are the only option, the martins foremost want someone to manage the housing and take care it. That's usually a challenge at a public site and I applaud your efforts.



John M

Thank you all for your excellent advice. John, I too love the gourd racks for their cleanliness and space inside. I would deliver a box of chocolates if it would help our case. Of course the wood near rivers is a concern for me too. I belong to the Clarksville Garden Club and will make a trip south to see the colony you mentioned. Focusing on the Trendsetter line is a great idea because it has a little of what I want and it's a house so it will please the committee chair. There is additional wetland within the scope of the present colony for expansion. I would want to set up gourd racks there if I can get the money. The City wants to build trails and wildflowers if they can get permission from the Railroad. It would help me maintain them as long as I can access them and there's no flooding. I get sidetracked but need to get back on this project. Thanks to all who have such great advice. -- Linda

[LindaP]

There is a man willing to build wooden Martin houses very reasonably I'm told. Of course, the weight of wood would be maybe 4 times heavier than a metal house so I need to consider the strength of a pole. I plan to use 3" poles. I also need to work within a small budget.

One thing you could possibly inquire about, is if the gentleman would build the houses using synthetic polywood? It would be a bit more expensive than wood of course, but it would be maintenance free and last indefinitely.

Another option would be to put some good old Trio/Nature House houses up (which coincidentally look a lot like the rectangular, wooden, 12-room houses you'd be replacing.)
Like John mentioned though, if they are within your budget, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Trendsetter houses.

This is such a great thing you're doing.
Hopefully the town, and/or other local entities will kick in some funding for the project as well.

Thanks Matt. I really want the expanded houses, but you don't always get what you want. Thanks a ton. - Linda