Can I Change the Type of Gourd?

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purplemartin111
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2026 1:05 pm
Location: Maryland

Hello, I'm wondering if I will lose the few martins I have if I change the type of gourd this season. I currently have Natureline gourds, which I bought about 15 years ago They do not have a tunnel nor do they have a porch. I'd like to replace one or two with the "Troyer Vertical Gourd SREH Conley ll, which has a tunnel and a porch. Is it ok to change the type of gourd prior to the martins arrival. Or am I taking a risk of last seaon's martins abandoning my condo/gourd rack this season?

Thanks
LoneOakMartin
Posts: 17
Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2025 8:48 am
Location: Texas

Yes you can. The martins will take to it easily.
flyin-lowe
Posts: 3788
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
Location: Indiana/Henry Co.

Wont be a problem. Martins have site fidelity but don't always nest in the exact same cavity they did from year to year. Some do some don't. I have a variety of Troyer gourds as well as 2 T 14's.
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.
Conrad Baker
Posts: 754
Joined: Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:43 pm
Location: Paulina, Louisiana

Do it sooner than later. I doubt that changing them will affect anything.
purplemartin111
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2026 1:05 pm
Location: Maryland

LoneOakMartin wrote:
Tue Apr 07, 2026 5:57 pm
Yes you can. The martins will take to it easily.

Thanks!
purplemartin111
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2026 1:05 pm
Location: Maryland

flyin-lowe wrote:
Wed Apr 08, 2026 6:56 am
Wont be a problem. Martins have site fidelity but don't always nest in the exact same cavity they did from year to year. Some do some don't. I have a variety of Troyer gourds as well as 2 T 14's.
Thanks for the information.
purplemartin111
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2026 1:05 pm
Location: Maryland

Conrad Baker wrote:
Wed Apr 08, 2026 7:40 am
Do it sooner than later. I doubt that changing them will affect anything.
Got it. Thanks
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