Any opinions on using 6" pvc pile for Martin Housing? I'm thinking more along the lines of "chalets" if turned verticle. They would be fairly cheap and durable. Of course you would have to rough up the insides to prevent the birds from sliding around. To me schedule 40 PVC pipe would be a nice thinkness, although it gets pretty heavy. Sewer and drain pipe are about 1/8" thick and would be light and easy to work with; I would be worried about insulation though. The pipe would already be white and relflect light well.
Opinions Please.
PVC pipe for Martin Housing?
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Guest
My personal opinion, is hang them horizontally so that you have a 12" in long cavity at the minium. Then instead of having your entrances in the end, put them on the side all the way forward. This way when you look in the entrance, you will not be looking at the nest. This will provide better protection from predators.
The key factors are depth (12" minimum) and non-viewable nest (side entrance not facing the nest).
The key factors are depth (12" minimum) and non-viewable nest (side entrance not facing the nest).
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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
I also would hang them vertically. The perfect setup in my opinion would be to get 6in or 8in S&D lightweight pipe, rip it lengthwise. Then put about a 6in cedar floor & porch under the pvc. Spread the S&D pipe apart which is easy to do, and attach it to the outside of the cedar board.. You could make the cedar board about 3in longer than the S&D pipe and then you would also have a porch, and a natural cedar floor which the martins love.
Your idea would also work, but here is what I do not like about it:
1) it is much too heavy
2) the martins in my opinion prefer a horizontal house, as it is much easier for them to get into it and out of it, and they make many trips when they feed the babies
3) 6in pvc is a bit small
Since you are thinking of a chalet type house, you do not need near as much vertical space or room for a horizontal cavity on your rack
Also, Sam Wilson has a good idea about putting the entrance on the side of a horizontal cavity, as this would hide the martins.
RH, insulation may be a concern, but the inside & outside temps are only about 1 to 3 degrees different ( the front door is open!). Also, there are available some spray insulations that were used in Canada, so that may be worth looking at.
Best of luck to you
Your idea would also work, but here is what I do not like about it:
1) it is much too heavy
2) the martins in my opinion prefer a horizontal house, as it is much easier for them to get into it and out of it, and they make many trips when they feed the babies
3) 6in pvc is a bit small
Since you are thinking of a chalet type house, you do not need near as much vertical space or room for a horizontal cavity on your rack
Also, Sam Wilson has a good idea about putting the entrance on the side of a horizontal cavity, as this would hide the martins.
RH, insulation may be a concern, but the inside & outside temps are only about 1 to 3 degrees different ( the front door is open!). Also, there are available some spray insulations that were used in Canada, so that may be worth looking at.
Best of luck to you
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps
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Guest
The topic was discussed prior to the 'crash' unfortunately I don't remember who posted their pictures - maybe someone has the information.
Emil has made chalet type pvc houses in the past. You can see pictures of them at the clubhouse (just do a search on 'pvc' in Photos).
Emil has made chalet type pvc houses in the past. You can see pictures of them at the clubhouse (just do a search on 'pvc' in Photos).