Suggestion on replacing TRIO house

[LauraR]

Thanks for the replies, they were very helpful. I will leave it up this year and see what happens. Last year I had three nesting pairs so I think there are three empty sections that are clean.

When I replaced the old one that was destroyed by hurricane Ian, I received three sections of poles with the new kit. I only used the top two sections because the bottom pole in the ground was fine. The poles are held together with a clamp. See photos. I could loosen the clamp and slide the top out but it would be very top heavy with the house stuck at the top.

I could use the extra bottom pole to start a new location near this one. I like that idea. But I would like the new location to have gourds and have a better pulley system. So I I’m not sure if I could use this extra pole for that type of system . See photo.

[C.C.Martins]

Yep, all that is pure trio housing and poles.

Laura, I like your thinking about the gourds. I would not put gourds on a round pole though if thats what your thinking; did that with my first gourd set up. It was not good. A square 2 inch aluminum pole, with good gourds (6 is quite enough-for now), is what you should think about. You will never look back, it will change your colony 100%.

Definitely don't take anything down until the martins accept the new housing, you will run the risk of abandonment. Simply put the new housing up where you want it, let them accept, after migration, take the old one down.
Just my 2 cents.
Best
Tom

[LauraR]

Thank you. I will look into installing a square pole with 6 gourds. There is a person here in Cape Coral, Florida, that organizes the Purple Martin houses at Sirenia Vista Park. Her name is Cheryl Anderson. I plan on contacting her to see how to go about having a new pole installed. I didn’t put up the one I have because it was already here when we bought our house. So I don’t know how to install one. I guess I would need a handyman or contractor to do this. Hopefully, Cheryl will have some information on who to contact. Thanks for all your help, looking forward to seeing the Purple Martins soon.

[C.C.Martins]

Laura,
It does seem daunting the first time a new pole goes up. It isn't. I was a nervous wreck putting in the first one, dont ask me why, its dig a hole, put in the ground stake, make sure its straight, put in cement/water and done. Yet i was nervous.

Your plan is a good one, she sounds like a good resource.

[Dave Reynolds]

Yep, all that is pure trio housing and poles.

Laura, I like your thinking about the gourds. I would not put gourds on a round pole though if thats what your thinking; did that with my first gourd set up. It was not good. A square 2 inch aluminum pole, with good gourds (6 is quite enough-for now), is what you should think about. You will never look back, it will change your colony 100%.

Definitely don't take anything down until the martins accept the new housing, you will run the risk of abandonment. Simply put the new housing up where you want it, let them accept, after migration, take the old one down.
Just my 2 cents.
Best
Tom

..
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Good advice given by C,C, ,,,

You will love the operation of a square pole vs. a round pole… if you ever have to lower the rack for weather (High Winds) reasons, the rack will stay in the right orientation. Also don’t take the old pole and rack down until the Martins except your new pole and rack.. Enjoy your season …Good Luck..

Dave

[LauraR]

I was able to get someone with a tall ladder to get the birdhouse down. It’s all cleaned and ready to go. I haven’t seen any purple martins yet. Hopefully, this will get things get started. When I cleaned the bird house I saw four nests. Unfortunately, there was a skeleton of one small bird that didn’t make it. I’m excited now that it’s all cleaned, back up, and ready to go. Hope to see some sightings soon. Will keep you posted.