Hi everyone:
We're shopping for a new set up and like the looks of the T-14. Just wondering how difficult it is to build. I have a power saw, and basic carpentry skills. I can also follow directions. Do you think this is too hard a project for a novice carpenter?
Any comments from those who have built one? Or on the T-14 in general. Also, do most folks leave them natural or paint them white?
Thanks in advance everyone!
Building a T-14
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Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
No, it is relatively easy to build, especially if you have plans. I think that PMCA still sells plans.
It is a very popular house in some areas, especially in colder climates. In warmer climates, the gourds seem to be more attractive. I personally do not like it because it attracts a lot of starlings & sparrows in my area.
It is a very popular house in some areas, especially in colder climates. In warmer climates, the gourds seem to be more attractive. I personally do not like it because it attracts a lot of starlings & sparrows in my area.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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Guest
I know this is a gross gereralization, but in general, then, would you say that gourds attract fewer sparrow and starlings than houses?
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Guest
I know this is a gross gereralization, but in general, then, would you say that gourds attract fewer sparrow and starlings than houses?
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John Miller
- Posts: 4866
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
There are T-14s in use in Missouri -- some very successful. But definitely paint one white. We have a tough climate -- sometimes dangerously cool when martins are here in April and as hot as as much of Texas is in June -- when it's July here and our birds are fledging.
John Miller,
St. Louis, Mo
John Miller,
St. Louis, Mo
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geneinmurphy
- Posts: 348
- Joined: Thu Nov 27, 2003 12:09 pm
- Location: North Carolina/Murphy
Regarding sparrow and starlings, you are right for the most part. I have never had a sparrow try to nest in a gourd, but they love stationary housing. And starlings love the deeper cavities, especially wood ones.....
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starling shooter
- Posts: 461
- Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:43 pm
- Location: Central MO
T14s are awesome houses, but they are starling magnets. Yes, the general consensus is sparrows and starlings do not take to gourds as readily but will if they have no other options.
My family has 4 different T14s, all are occupied. One had 12 pairs this year. I would highly recommend getting the WDC adaptor plates to put over the holes. They are virtually starling proof.
There is an article about making the attics into sparrow traps with the spar-o-doors. I wish I would have done that. With 4 gourds hung undereneath, they are GREAT set ups. You may also want to put the entrances on the side. This would sort of act as a baffle, giving the PM a bit more protection from owls and hawks, as the birds would have to enter and do a 90.
With that said, I'm a firm believer in gourds. We had one rack this year 24/24, one 21/24 and one 11/17. These were second year racks.
My family has 4 different T14s, all are occupied. One had 12 pairs this year. I would highly recommend getting the WDC adaptor plates to put over the holes. They are virtually starling proof.
There is an article about making the attics into sparrow traps with the spar-o-doors. I wish I would have done that. With 4 gourds hung undereneath, they are GREAT set ups. You may also want to put the entrances on the side. This would sort of act as a baffle, giving the PM a bit more protection from owls and hawks, as the birds would have to enter and do a 90.
With that said, I'm a firm believer in gourds. We had one rack this year 24/24, one 21/24 and one 11/17. These were second year racks.
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
I have had sparrows and starlings both try to nest in my gourds. I just wanted to throw this in, so you wouldn't expect a gourd to be 100% S&S free.
As others have said - the sparrow will attempt to nest at an apartment style house first, if it is available. When not available, they will try anywhere there is a cavity. The same is true of starlings. I think the density of their population has a lot to do with how much trouble they will cause at a PM colony. Steady year round trapping of these nest competitors is your best defense against them.
I remember Mary Dawnsong recommended leaving an apartment style house up as a dedicated trap for HOSP. That sounds like a great idea!
As others have said - the sparrow will attempt to nest at an apartment style house first, if it is available. When not available, they will try anywhere there is a cavity. The same is true of starlings. I think the density of their population has a lot to do with how much trouble they will cause at a PM colony. Steady year round trapping of these nest competitors is your best defense against them.
I remember Mary Dawnsong recommended leaving an apartment style house up as a dedicated trap for HOSP. That sounds like a great idea!
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
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Guest
REN920,
FYI, S&K has a new house design coming out that is similar to a T-14. Not sure if you are interested but thought I would let you know.
HogWild
FYI, S&K has a new house design coming out that is similar to a T-14. Not sure if you are interested but thought I would let you know.
HogWild
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Guest
Thanks everybody for all your input!! We'll let you know what we decide.
3 babies left; should fledge today or tomorrow.
3 babies left; should fledge today or tomorrow.
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LarryL-MN
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:08 pm
- Location: Minnesota/Brainerd
- Martin Colony History: Built first house in 1972 and have had Martins ever since. Became an active landlord in 2002 after finding the PMCA web site.
Hi Ren920
I have built 3 T-14's and they are fun and easy to build. I have also built 2 Bob Buskas North Star 12's. You can build 2 North Stars for what one T-14 costs. The North Star is lighter and raises much easier. The compartments are larger and there is less porch domination. If I add any more housing to my colony it will probably be North Star 16's. Good luck and have some fun.
Larry
I have built 3 T-14's and they are fun and easy to build. I have also built 2 Bob Buskas North Star 12's. You can build 2 North Stars for what one T-14 costs. The North Star is lighter and raises much easier. The compartments are larger and there is less porch domination. If I add any more housing to my colony it will probably be North Star 16's. Good luck and have some fun.
Larry
Can Dave shed anymore light on this? I think it'd be cool if S&K expanded their house line to include an aluminum model.HogWild wrote:REN920,
FYI, S&K has a new house design coming out that is similar to a T-14. Not sure if you are interested but thought I would let you know.
HogWild
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Guest
Matt, I think Darryl is refering to the new house that Dave described at clubhouse - I am not sure that the PMCA rules will allow him to make postings of that nature here.