Next Year

[DelmaWhisenhunt]

My son plans to use gourds next year and the question has arisen, normally will more than one pair nest in a single gourd? He built a motel for the martins, proper nest size, insulated, composition roof, and they said, no thank you. So he plans to take the house down and replace with an array of gourds.

[C.C.Martins]

well, lots of types and styles to choose from! But one year with the house and no takers isn't unusual (im guessing one year I suppose)...don't look at the house as a failure. How long has it been up? is the location an issue? don't give up on the house just yet. If he is determined about the gourds (they are great) perhaps a combination of the two?
But to answer your question, no...only one pair will nest in the gourd...they may pile in during winter/migration to stay warm but when it comes to nesting, one pair per gourd.

[Ransom Graham]

Smart thing to do is hang 4 or so gourds from the bottom of the house. Keep both and let them choose.

[DelmaWhisenhunt]

Thanks for your information and suggestion to hang the gourds on the house. I like the idea and my son seemed to like the idea, also. He has an ideal location and for two or three years had martins unit a storm came, toppling the house, and several baby martins were killed. He then built the marvelous house with all expertise. He is a carpenter by occupation. No martins anymore.

[BillieJR]

That's too bad he lost his colony because of a storm. Good luck to him.