Martins Won't Eat Eggshells That I Offer. Am I Doing Something Wrong? (Pics)

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Bird Brain
Posts: 269
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:22 am
Location: Highland Village, TX
Martin Colony History: 2022-visitors, 2023-visitors, 2024-1 pair, fledged 4

Got at least 6 pair so far. I used Gorilla Putty to secure a cake pan of eggshells to the top of a 14 foot ladder. No takers so far after 2 days. Am I doing something wrong?

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John Miller
Posts: 4846
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

Egg shells look good, but probably too early in the season. Martins tend to each them more near egg laying time and again when feeding to young as grit. And they may be skittish of a new platform on top of a ladder. May work in time. If there is an open spot on the ground -- maybe on top of a large flat rock -- that's where I suggest scattering a handful, in a few weeks, but not if concern about roaming cats.
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