Martin roosting device?

philsand · Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:37 pm

I have seven gourds and had six active nest, now three are active. The problem is there is so much fighting over a roosting spot at night. Several of them are spending nights roosting on the three pronged perch. They get as close as possible to the pole.
I envision that one of you gifted engineer-type guys could improve their roosting situation by create a simple roosting device. There are too many variables for me. I visualize possibly a couple of wheels clamped onto the pole. With a few bars for a little more protection and maybe more perch space.

C.C.Martins · Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:01 pm

Is it the fledges or unattached birds? Think that is fairly common, this year we had 10 to 15 subbies packed in the gourd cluster, took up all the space on the arms so much so they would bicker and fall from the middle.
If you think predation is going to be a problem you could chase them off. I do not like when they sleep on the ledges of the house, they are sitting ducks.

philsand · Sun Jul 04, 2021 9:26 pm

Interesting to know others have seen them roosting on the racks. Do fledglings have trouble getting into the new starling resistant entrances?

C.C.Martins · Mon Jul 05, 2021 8:04 am

They try to go in sideways sometimes, and they are in a rush to get in. most cases the porch has an adult in attendance and prevents them lining up straight. Last night was busy inside, just before dark went back to check and adults had brought their fledges in, two heads poking out of alot of entrances. Like the adults just practice.