changing old houses to gourds--will this be a problem?

[abernathys]

Hi All--I have a couple of old houses that I want to change to gourd racks. These houses are always full of adult pairs. If I take these down and put up gourd racks -- will this cause trouble, confusion or stress for the Martins? I don't want to cause them to look for housing somewhere else? Anybody have any experience with this or thoughts?

Sandy

[Guest]

Sandy,

I would replace one house with a gourd rack this year and do the same next year.

Tony

[Guest]

Sandy,

I would replace one house with a gourd rack this year and do the same next year.

Tony

[John Miller]

As was suggested, better to do this in stages -- unless you are a risk taker. Everything I've read says martins that bonded with your site in previous years may not like such a drastic change. One can make more modest changes, such as upgrading an old aluminum house with a newer aluminum version.

Many folks do think martins prefer natural gourds. If your old houses are falling apart, total replacement with gourds might be the right thing -- just know that you may loose pairs the first year or two.

John Miller

[abernathys]

Tony and John-I thought that would most likely be the best thing to do. I really didn't want to risk loosing anyone. Thanks for the advice, hope ya'll have a good season!

Sandy