Purple Martin Pole Guard Up!

[Oceangirl]

Thanks to everyone that responded to my post "Mysterious Martins". My husband made a pole guard yesterday with 1 inch wire chicken wire, double layered three inches apart, stapled to a wooden platform. He couldn't find 3/4 inch bird netting at our local hardware stores. Would love to have your opinions! The martins are still circling, but no occupancy yet.

[C.C.Martins]

I think he did a wonderful job, I know that guard wasn't made easy...at least not for me...I did the exact same ones from chucks page. First time cut the center hole correctly, then when cutting it into two pieces did not account for the now smaller size and it wouldn't fit! Drove me nuts.
Perhaps you can find snake netting (sold as bird net) at a plant store. Then drape that on the chicken wire. I think you are there! He did a good job.

[Oceangirl]

I think he did a wonderful job, I know that guard wasn't made easy...at least not for me...I did the exact same ones from chucks page. First time cut the center hole correctly, then when cutting it into two pieces did not account for the now smaller size and it wouldn't fit! Drove me nuts.
Perhaps you can find snake netting (sold as bird net) at a plant store. Then drape that on the chicken wire. I think you are there! He did a good job.

Thanks so much! He actually didn't do two pieces of wood. He cut two initially and sounds like he had the same issue you did! So he settled for just one. He will really appreciate your kind comments!!!!

Question: Why do you think we need to place snake netting on top of the chicken wire? Do you think the chicken wire will not stop a snake?

[C.C.Martins]

Hahaha, well at least I'm not the only one, woodworking is a skill well beyond me. The house he built could never be made by me.
No I don't think so, reason I say that is a 1 foot long rat snake got through our net, killed 3 chicks and ate 6 eggs. We only found him on the way down when he was fatter. He got stuck.
I was using 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch net. 3/4 inch was wrapped around the 1/4 inch. It got through.
That set up stopped 3 other attempts by larger snakes but not that one. So that little ratsnake got up 14 feet, bypassed the baffle and net, went to a gourd, strangled but didn't eat the chicks just the eggs.
Its well worth it, here its almost 50 dollar a bag but its worth it.

[flyin-lowe]

I feel like the chicken wire would be rigid enough a rat snake could grip on the outside of it and go up. Could be wrong though. Unfortunately I feel like a racoon could go right up that no problem...

[Phil01]

I agree with flyin-lowe. Maybe I’m wrong but seems to me a ground predator would be able to go right up the chicken wire… Hope I’m wrong…
Great job building it though. Your hubby is talented!
Phil

[Oceangirl]

Hahaha, well at least I'm not the only one, woodworking is a skill well beyond me. The house he built could never be made by me.
No I don't think so, reason I say that is a 1 foot long rat snake got through our net, killed 3 chicks and ate 6 eggs. We only found him on the way down when he was fatter. He got stuck.
I was using 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch net. 3/4 inch was wrapped around the 1/4 inch. It got through.
That set up stopped 3 other attempts by larger snakes but not that one. So that little ratsnake got up 14 feet, bypassed the baffle and net, went to a gourd, strangled but didn't eat the chicks just the eggs.
Its well worth it, here its almost 50 dollar a bag but its worth it.

[Oceangirl]

Hahaha, well at least I'm not the only one, woodworking is a skill well beyond me. The house he built could never be made by me.
No I don't think so, reason I say that is a 1 foot long rat snake got through our net, killed 3 chicks and ate 6 eggs. We only found him on the way down when he was fatter. He got stuck.
I was using 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch net. 3/4 inch was wrapped around the 1/4 inch. It got through.
That set up stopped 3 other attempts by larger snakes but not that one. So that little ratsnake got up 14 feet, bypassed the baffle and net, went to a gourd, strangled but didn't eat the chicks just the eggs.
Its well worth it, here its almost 50 dollar a bag but its worth it.

As a side note, when he was younger, my husband actually built a pool table. He got an inexpensive table from a friend and just used the three pieces of slate. Spent an entire summer building it! I'll attach a pic. Yes, he is quite talented

Wow, I can't believe that one ratsnake made it through. We'll check out some bird net to put over it. Thanks again!!!!

[Oceangirl]

I agree with flyin-lowe. Maybe I’m wrong but seems to me a ground predator would be able to go right up the chicken wire… Hope I’m wrong…
Great job building it though. Your hubby is talented!
Phil

Phil01 and flyin-lowe - that is concerning for sure. What if we also use some bird netting on top as C.C. Martins suggested? We actually haven't seen any raccoons around, but then again, I know these critters like to come out at night when we are asleep.

[C.C.Martins]

Ocean girl,
I'd wrap the whole thing in netting. Use the chicken wire as support. Right now the threat is the snake. Think you have time.

[Oceangirl]

Hello everyone! We found some bird netting and wrapped it several times around the chicken wire. It's a little hard to see in the picture, but I hope this does the job!

[Thomas Maddox]

Now that's awesome! Great job!

[Oceangirl]

Now that's awesome! Great job!

Thanks, Thomas!

[C.C.Martins]

Agree with Thomas,
Think that looks great! All the talk of snakes had me out at the preserve adding more snake net over the holiday!
Be prepared, it catches them alive, so be ready with some very small sizzors or nail clippers to cut the net from around it. Take it well away. Like a mile or more.

[Oceangirl]

Agree with Thomas,
Think that looks great! All the talk of snakes had me out at the preserve adding more snake net over the holiday!
Be prepared, it catches them alive, so be ready with some very small sizzors or nail clippers to cut the net from around it. Take it well away. Like a mile or more.

At least (if it is a ratsnake), it's not poisonous! And we bought enough netting to replace it. Thanks so much for all your suggestions!!

[Thomas Maddox]

I've been bitten by a few trying to get them out of the netting. It really wasn't bad, now none have been more than 3 three feet or so.

[C.C.Martins]

I've been bitten by a few trying to get them out of the netting. It really wasn't bad, now none have been more than 3 three feet or so.

And that sir, goes with the territory and is the mark of a landlord! Iv not been bitten yet, although they try. Too tired I guess. 3 feet is pretty good size.