A bit perturbed.

[jhcox]

I was able to build my own gourd rakes 7 years ago and it was relatively cheap about 150 bucks with gourds. I used the S&K Bo9 gourds and placed 8 on each rake. They are a little more now I just checked you can get 6 at Tractor Supply for $89 and the tunnel porch add on from S&K for 6 is $27. I built my rakes with 12 foot galvanized steel pipe. 3' piece of PVC and 1/4 in all thread. ( would suggest using 3/8 to 1/2 in All Thread now). I drilled the holes for the all thread and used lock nuts to hold them in place in the PVC and same thing for the gourds one behind and in front of the gourd. I got an I-bolt for the top off the pole to attach the pulley to then an I-bolt on the PVC and used Pera cored to pull them up with. I looked up the materials and even today it is just over $200 to complete it. I guess you could put a wench and cable but its so light I just pull them up. Its a great idea for a beginner then if they get Martins BOY then their hooked and they will want to upgrade.

Have a bless CHRIST- mas and a Happy New Year. JHCox Heiskell TN

[Ladybug]

Unfortunately, we either buy gourds at higher prices or go with buying natural gourds, or just not buy, period. May be more working getting natural gourds ready but costwise, the price is lots cheaper. Good Luck.

[jhcox]

The natural gourds are cheaper but a lot of work and they will not last near as long as the new plastic gourds. I’ve done both and in my opinion the natural gourds to me are just not worth the effort.

[Jones4381]

The natural gourds are cheaper but a lot of work and they will not last near as long as the new plastic gourds. I’ve done both and in my opinion the natural gourds to me are just not worth the effort.

I'm beginning to agree with you on this Jhcox... My going on 2 year old naturals and 2 have rather large cracks already...I'll be moving over to the PMCA Excluders most likely after this year... Will it have any bearing switching from naturals to plastics for the Martins that have nested in the same gourd 2 or 3 years in a row?

[jhcox]

I don’t think it will affect them at all most of the plastic gourds that are made today are very spacious and much darker inside which makes it cooler for our birds. I believe they will love it.

[Jones4381]

I don’t think it will affect them at all most of the plastic gourds that are made today are very spacious and much darker inside which makes it cooler for our birds. I believe they will love it.

Thank you again. I'm hoping to have that big jump in numbers like you did in 19' to 20'. 1 then 5 hoping for 15+ pairs this season. The super gourds impressed me with the size, width, and sturdiness but like the porch and entrance options that come with the Excluders over the super's.

[Thomas Maddox]

At 51, I'm learning just how short life is. The PMs are worth my money and efforts.. I'll gladly skip a few nights of eating out(talking about inflation lol) and buy some more PM "stuff."

[Jones4381]

At 51, I'm learning just how short life is. The PMs are worth my money and efforts.. I'll gladly skip a few nights of eating out(talking about inflation lol) and buy some more PM "stuff."

100%

[Stingray]

It is true that like everything else, the cost of our hobby has also gone up.
Some great points have been made on this thread that will be helpful to potential new landlords. Typical for this community.
As with most hobbies/sports, the biggest financial hit is the initial startup.
After that the cost of maintaining is mostly your time. This involves gourd upkeep, (replacing gourd caps as needed, etc., nest checks, and trying to keep our little tenants safe from predators.
For me personally, it involves cleaning out the gourds before the start of every season.
I know that not all landlords do not do this, but I enjoy it.

I have been a landlord for 18 years and have greatly enjoyed my martins.
So have our neighbors. It is a rewarding, enjoyable way to spend my leisure time.
(and I have plenty of it)
My enjoyment is well worth the price of admission.

[Stingray]

At 51, I'm learning just how short life is. The PMs are worth my money and efforts.. I'll gladly skip a few nights of eating out(talking about inflation lol) and buy some more PM "stuff."

Good words Thomas.
Very true.
Enjoy!

Got you by 20 years

[sjsmith23]

Concerns me that this may present a very real threat to the survival of the birds. Fewer landlords means fewer birds, and I suspect there will be a substantial reduction in both over the next several years as existing landlords become unable to continue and new landlords can’t or won’t pay the entry cost to establish a colony.

Honestly, $30+ is not a reasonable price, and reflects straight up price gouging by the manufacturer.

Agree 100%! No way cost should be this high! Manufacturers are going to find themselves out of business due to lack of clients and purple martins will be the ones suffering the most.

[defed]

Concerns me that this may present a very real threat to the survival of the birds. Fewer landlords means fewer birds, and I suspect there will be a substantial reduction in both over the next several years as existing landlords become unable to continue and new landlords can’t or won’t pay the entry cost to establish a colony.

Honestly, $30+ is not a reasonable price, and reflects straight up price gouging by the manufacturer.

Agree 100%! No way cost should be this high! Manufacturers are going to find themselves out of business due to lack of clients and purple martins will be the ones suffering the most.

i'm still waiting for one of you guys to start manufacturing and selling your gourds for $5 if it's such a gold mine to do so.

[CTMartins]

It is really a terrible situation that's taking place. The PMCA is really at the mercy of our wholesalers. Over the last few years we've been holding back as much of the price increases as is feasible. But we're limited as to how much we can absorb.

We're working with manufacturers to create lower cost options and they are well aware of how skyrocketing costs are a barrier to the hobby. We're hoping for a return to supply chain sanity at some point in the coming years. Until then, we're at the mercy of aluminum and plastic (oil) prices and how the manufacturers choose to pass them along to us...

It seems that lumber prices have somewhat come back down to earth, so DIY wooden houses are becoming a more attractive option for those willing and able to build.

How about some ad banners here and offer rebates?