Looking to upgrade (for next year). I started with the s&k tri-tele pole and the house that goes with that pole (free cause my mom bought on clearance and never put up :-) fast forward 7 years. I now have (at least for the past 2+ season) 6 gourds + house. I noticed recently (unfortunately we are hosting again) the pole in leaning. Not from the ground but the second section or the top section of pole. So I think we need to upgrade the pole.
I was looking at the multi-purpose pole from the PMC Website (holds the trendsetter houses), upgrading to the 3" with the winch.
Anyone used that one? Recommendations on poles. I currently have the s&k gourds (5) and troyer (1). The house is currently have only fits on the tri-tele pole so.would need a new one.
Thanks for any advice
Upgrade questions
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Bird Brain
- Posts: 327
- Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:22 am
- Location: Highland Village, TX
- Martin Colony History: 2022-visitors, 2023-visitors, 2024-1 pair, fledged 4, 2025-10 pair, fledged 42
I'll say this. Gourd racks handle high winds much better than large houses. The reason is simple physics. Gourd racks have spaces between each unit creating a "swiss cheese" effect that wind passes through much better. Also, gourds swing which takes pressure off of the pole. Large houses have no such venting between units and do not swing. Every time I get a storm, I'm grateful to have gourds and not a big clunky house. Don't get me wrong. Some of those martin houses are awesome and look great. But nothing handles high winds and storms like a gourd rack. The 3" pole is worth the money. That bad storm and high wind is gonna show up eventually. Hope this helps.
Im just reluctant to take away the house, as I have had one for 6 years and it is used each year. I have read that martin hatched in a house will seek out houses vice versa. Now that I have an established colony I dont want to change the options. I guess I will look at an additional pole for just gourds and replace the tri-tele pole for the house. Thanks for the suggestion.
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3788
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
Martins have strong site fidelity. It is unlikely that they abandon your site due to a change in housing style during the off season. The tri tel poles are not great and you have more of a chance losing your colony due to a pole failure than you do losing your colony by switching the housing up next year.
2026 HOSP 26
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
KMCFL, I have the multipurpose three inch pole with winch. I have two trio musselman houses and four excluder gourds underneath. It's a great setup and the birds like it. I only raise to 60-70 percent. I have five other poles and do the same. Since doing this no storm damage has occurred. We fledge 350-400 chicks every year.
dave
dave
PMCA member
KMCFL, I have the multipurpose three inch pole with winch. I have two trio musselman houses and four excluder gourds below. It's a great setup and the birds like it. It holds up well. I raise it 60-70 percent only to be safe but I do that with my other five poles. No storm damage. I'm happy.
dave
dave
PMCA member