T-14 modifications

[Guest]

I am interested in what modifications folks here on the forum have done to their T-14 house. Post some pics if you have them please.
Thanks

Dave

[RC Moser]

T-14

[Guest]

Wow - This is definately a unique T-14. Thanks for the pictures

[Guest]

Looks like a well thought out house RC. I happen to be a T-14 person also. Was wondreing if anyone has made an additional hole in the very top of each side under the roof. I think it would be relatively easy to do. I see alot of nice looking houses on here, I guess I was thinking about some variations also. I'm worried about all the migrating martins with this huge cold snap everyone is experiencing. Mine have a long flight ahead of them yet! Keep feeding please !!!!!!!!! Chuck

[D. Doll MN]

I made an insulated T18 its almost finished I have to work on the mounting and the pole yet. This T18 has huge compartments, so with one inch styrofoam all around it is huge looking but not bad for weight. Some time not sure when I will try to post some pictures. I hope to try to take some temps between my old wood T14 and the new insulated T18 this summer.

[RC Moser]

Thanks Chuck, I too thought about top compartment too, But figured it would be too hot and harder to make a way to get into the compartment with the tri-angle roof front entry.

IMO mine is old school and outdated. I got plans for another one with compartment entry to the inside of the side of the house with and hallway entry on the outside with a built in owl and hawk protective wire or solid panel and they will exit out by the front. Kind of like a big tunnel. Seen pictures of one here, but can't remember who posted it. Sure was neat. I also plan on having a elect winch to raise and lower it with a roller attachment bracket that each house will set on and be bolted down with out having to uncable or separate the unit.

It will be atleast 18 compartments with hidden nest chambers, alternating entries, and the wired or paneled in porches all the way down the sides. My PMs love the T-14 it fills up first, then the double gourds, Bovilla's, Whistle gourds, and still a few in the trio, blitz, and red barn.

My T-14 not pretty, but is functional and does a good job filling the PMs needs IMO. When ever I open it up is usually see them roosting inside on the nest tray front site blocker panel. Some just set there while I peak in. I guess they enjoy the ride up and down the pole as long as I don't jerk the house.

How do you like my feeding/nest material platform flower pot water catchers on top? I have some mounted on top of my Whistle gourds too.

D. Doll will look forward to seeing your insulated T-18.

[Guest]

RC, I think the flower pots are a great idea! When the martins are very hungry at some point they are going to land on top of the house. I don't know how they could get a closer look at potential food than a few inches.
I've been thinking about an electric winch system also. Sure would be quick, easy and SAFE! Haven't got to thinking about it real serious yet but plan to eventually. Let me know if you come up with a good system, if you don't mind.
I'd also like to see a picture of that insulated T-18. Happy martineering! Chuck

[WanderingPM]

D. Doll MN

I am very interested to see and hear about your T-18 as well.

Are you saying that you modified the normal T-X wooden construction design to expand the compartments to accommodate the addition of styrofoam insulation - so in effect wood plus styrofoam?

Would love to see pictures/plans/diagrams - this seems like an outstanding approach!

[D. Doll MN]

WanderingPm In a couple of weeks I hope to have more time to try to post some pictures I have never done it before. The house is the same style as a T14, but much larger in every way. The back and sides are one inch styrofoam with one half inch or one forth inch plywood. The door is a one by ten with one half inch styrofoam glued to back. The sub floors are one half in styrofoam datto jointed in. Tryed to fiberglass out side, to much work so put ply wood. The hole are made so i cam change styles anytime ect.ect.

[Jack Gulvin]

I have three t-14s. On each one I converted one attic to a special sparrow apartment. Works well. The hardest part was removing the triangular gable end. A T-14 is well built and not designed to come apart.

[D. Doll MN]

Question for Jack the special sparrow compartment , What type of trap do you place in it ? and what type and size of hole do you have on it?

[Jack Gulvin]

The hole is one and three eights inch. A trip wire inside is connected to a trap door outside. It's my own design, I wish I could send a photo. It might be possible to adapt a Spare-O-Door, or at least copy the design.