Is it necessary to paint inside of manufactured gourd?

[Guest]

Here's another one:

Is it necessary to paint the inside of a manufactured gourd and if so why.

I would think if the outside were painted that it would be quite opaque in itsself,thus being quite dim on the interior.True a vent will let in some light and the entrance will as well. How dark is the interior requirement?

dick

[CUL Lou~Mich]

Dick. I've never seen and "Requirement" to paint the insides of plastic gourds. SOME folks however do so. Some will take black spray paint, and give the inside a coat or two. Most who do so use Fusion by (Believe it's Krylon.) Some say the PMs like it better, some say it's no difference between yes and no. CUL Lou

[Louise Chambers]

In addition to Lou's comments, I would also suggest that plastic gourds or houses SHOULD be painted if the walls are translucent, allowing sunlight/heat to penetrate through the walls. For me, that would be the number one reason to paint. Using black or a dark color will render the walls opaque and keep the sunlight out, making the cavity cooler.

Otherwise, painting interiors is not strictly necessary but a matter of landlord choice. We have not found any difference in nesting success in painted vs unpainted gourds (talking interiors here) But we always recommend painting exteriors of natural gourds and houses white or a very light color, to keep nestlings cool and safe. The last year that PMCA used any unpainted gourds, 1988, we had babies jumping out during the very hot weather - since painting the gourds white on the outsides, no more jump outs)

Louise