1st time landlord
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Guest
I'm just getting started in this hobby and after reading about when to raise (open) the house. I feel that I may have raised it to early - 03/04/06 - for my area. I guess the confusion comes from knowing that this house I inherited from across the lake was not to concerned on when it was open - It never really closed. They lowered it every year to clean out the old nesting but it went right back up the same day in fall. They have always had a full house every year. So, with this being a old house that has moved across the lake, do I have to start out fresh and lower the house for another 4 -6 weeks or should I just leave it up?
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Guest
Hi and welcome!!
Since no one else answered... I'll take a shot.
I'm not sure about your location, but here, I leave my house and gourds up all year. I have a sparrow trap for my house and use winter "stops" on the other compartments. Gourds are open year around.
Hopefully, someone else will jump in!
Chuck
Since no one else answered... I'll take a shot.
I'm not sure about your location, but here, I leave my house and gourds up all year. I have a sparrow trap for my house and use winter "stops" on the other compartments. Gourds are open year around.
Hopefully, someone else will jump in!
Chuck
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Dale Hrncirik
portperry,
I would say to raise it now as returning martins are now coming into your area...with one caveat....you really need to control any house sparrows and starlings that show up since those pest birds don't constitute what is considered a 'full house'. They are not protected by law and you can trap or shoot them if possible. Those returning martins will be looking for their house and will most likely find yours if its not too far away from the original location. Good luck and let us know how things go,
Dale
I would say to raise it now as returning martins are now coming into your area...with one caveat....you really need to control any house sparrows and starlings that show up since those pest birds don't constitute what is considered a 'full house'. They are not protected by law and you can trap or shoot them if possible. Those returning martins will be looking for their house and will most likely find yours if its not too far away from the original location. Good luck and let us know how things go,
Dale