Need Tips On Training PMs To Take Crickets - St Louis Area

[birdy girl]

I tried flipping crickets to my one ASY male today. He was sitting on the power line (looked cold). I flipped around 10 to 15 crickets toward him. He saw them, but never tried to get one. The crickets were probably 2 to 3 feet in front of him but he never went for them. I put 20 into the gourd he sleeps in at night. I will check tomorrow morning and see if he ate any of them. Good luck flipping.

[BigT]

Two years ago, I lost 16 birds because of a spring cold snap. Ten were laying dead in the back yard. I promised myself that I wouldn't let it happen again IF I could help it. Last year when another bad spell hit, I was determined to feed them. It took two evenings, but finally one caught on, and then it was nuts. I didn't need the spoon any longer, we would just throw the crickets with our hands. When I finally got them to eat eggs, the neighborhood girls would come over and throw eggs to the birds. The birds and the kids loved it. I finally got them to feed some from a bed and breakfast, but the weather improved, and that was it. This year's cold snap is much worse, but we will do our best. It was surprising how they remembered. I would advise everyone to keep trying. When they get hungry enough, they will eat. Persistence does pay off. My company is producing a laser cut insulated cap insert for gourds. PMCA is doing some greenhouse testing on them now. I have them on all my gourds now, but this is not how I wanted to test them. Terry

[Jim Ray]

Looks like we've got 3 days of poor weather coming (highs in the 30s-40s , Friday, Saturday and probably, Sunday). I'll be tossing crickets probably Saturday and Sunday.

[Bob Flam]

BigT...a laser cut insulated cap insert for gourds. Cool, you have any pic's?

I know some landlords have light bulbs in the house compartments to offer heat, and others have used the hand warmers in gourds. Hopefully they will chime in, not much in the mood for doing the searchs myself.

It looks like after the multiple years of the weather being goofy, I am going to design and build a new house eventually. Can't save the earth for ever donchanoe hahaha and it's not going to happen anyway. People will continue to screw this planet up until the good Lord says...enough! And I will be doing all I can to help these wonderful birds while I'm still on it...or until then!

bob

[Louise Chambers]

I thought this would be a good time to bring some egg-feeding tips up front:

http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2742

Louise

[Louise Chambers]

I'm also adding some info on placing handwarmers in gourds or compartments from a thread posted earlier this season.

Linda Reynolds-TN posted: We only offer gourds, so I am not qualified to address placement of hand warmers in housing. I do, however, hope this information, and my observations might help others that want to provide this extra help for their martins.

Our gourds are sizable and both martins were sharing a gourd, so we place two in each of two gourds they have been using. We then cover the packets with a layer of pine needles. I believe they have helped.

At one time it was recommended that the warmers be placed in a sock or glove, but that is NOT necessary, HOWEVER, THEY MUST BE COVERED TO WORK PROPERLY. They are packaged in a very nice cloth packet and I am not at all fearful their nails will catch on the fabric.

Our two early arrivals were using two gourds, so to insure they continued to use the ones containing the hand warmers, we plugged all other gourds.

Initially, my husband purchased two types of hand warmers at Wal-Mart. Because, during cold weather, I try only to lower the rack once a day. I remove the old, replace the warmers about 4:00 in the afternoon, I do not know exactly how long they are lasting, but I am sure they are helping.

One type is called Super Hot Hands by HeatMax, made in USA, and claims to last UP TO 18 hours. These come three in a package for $1.97

Heat Max Hand Warmers - http://www.heatmax.com/

The other type is called Stay Warm, made in Japan, and claims to last UP TO 24 hours. These are also three to a package for $1.97

Stay Warm Hand Warmers - http://www.handwarmer.com/

We will be now only using the *up to* 24 hour warmers. Even *if* they last half that time, it will help them get through the night.

A few days ago, when I removed the one 24 hour packet that we placed in the gourd about 18 hours before, the nesting material was slightly warm, so I am guessing this one might provide enough warmth to get them through the night.
_________________
Ever-Grateful,
Linda

Here is the original thread: http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... highlight=

It includes Dale Hrncirik's comments on heating a multicompartment house with a lightbulb instead of handwarmers, so there's no need to lower the house (as when replacing handwarmers) and perhaps flush the martins.

Lots of helpful advice on getting martins through this bad weather that's hitting many areas this week & weekend.

Louise

[Bob Flam]

Thanks Louise!

I feel better now, I can finally get some work done around here

My crickets haven't arrived yet, but my martins went after the 1st egg I flipped. I dumped eggs in the B&B and picked them out of it to toss. I didn't want to make em fly too much so I raised the B&B. They are on the B&B now eating and are perking up it looks like. As much as ya can in this stuff LOL We got spoiled with that nice weather! It is windy and cold....brrrr

bob

[Guest]

D&D, thanks for this great topic. In Wichita we are getting the bad weather now. 33 degrees and snowing. Not much wind though, thank goodness. I just went to the pet store and am freezing crickets now. I wonder, how long until they can be used?

I only have 3 adults, that I know of. They have been feeding pretty well. Up until today the temps were in the 70s down to the 50s. I will put crickets in their nests. I have a Goliad with nest trays that I put pine needles in. I read that it is best to wait a day or so to try to introduce the crickets. It is a learning process for me.

Have you any more observations or experiences today, since I am in the same boat as you. I don't have many yet, but I want to keep the loyal ones that I have.

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice. Sue

[D. Doll MN]

I am sure glade to read that a few more people are willing to try to see if birds at there colony might eat supplemental food. I am glade because some of them martins might be coming to or came from my colone. I said coming because yesterday the 4th of april I had my first Martin show up for the year at my colony, one day sooner then last year. But he didn't stay around long, headed back south again I hope. He checked out two gourd before I got out side to remove the starling traps from the house. He was gone by the time I got out side, I don't blame him there was snow in the entrance of the two gourdes he was looking into. A little extra encouragement for you southern landlords trying to supplemental feed for the first time. You might get one of my pairs from my colony visiting or staying over for the night. They all know how to catch crickets when tossed, or they know that yellow means scramble eggs, on the ground or in the bed and breakfast tray. I say on the ground because they will pick up anything dropped into the grass by them or other birds. So when they learn it they remember it, from one year to the next. So please keep trying for all of us further north, and for your own birds.

[Linda Reynolds]

Thanks so much for reposting that information, including the links, Louise. Temps until Sunday are going to be critical in our area of TN. Landlords in the north need to be particularly concerned.

Our predicted highs and lows are as follows:

Friday, High 51, Low 22

Saturday, High 45, Low 19

Sunday, High 52, Low 27

We currently have a full house and are hosting 46 pairs of ASYs. Nest building is underway, but to date, there are no eggs. We have too many birds in residence to fling, so we now rely upon the supplemental feeding station. It was supplied with scrambled eggs and crickets, and has been used most of the day today.

Those in the north just starting colonies, need to be particularly concerned. Not that any martin is EVER expendable, but if you are only hosting one or two pair, they are they keystone of your colony site. If you do not have the time, or cannot afford to purchase nor have the time to fling crickets, at least try some scrambled eggs placed on a makeshift platform feeder, roof, or driveway. If you do not have the time in the morning, you can scramble some eggs the night before. Keep them covered in the fridge, and re-hydrate in a bowl of hot water in the morning for quick and easy offering. If you can offer nothing else, try scrambled eggs.

I am convinced the hand warmer heat packets used in February, helped to save the lives of our two earliest arrivals on February 13th and 14th. Because it is recommended that you lower your racks in the afternoon, so as not to disturb the birds, I strongly suggest that you use the *up to 24 hours* variety. At best, the hand warmers used in this situation, placed under some nesting material, perform at about half the time as advertised. The * up to 8, 10, 12, hour* packets will probably not get your martins through the night if you place them into the gourds or cavities at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. The use of hand warmer packet is only feasible if you are currently hosting a few birds, and you know what cavities they are using. In February, we knew the cavities ours were using and blocked all others when we only hosted two birds, but we cannot do that now.

Much good luck is wished to all, especially those in the northern states, and especially for those hosting their first martins..........

[Linda Reynolds]

Birdy girl, try flipping your offerings AWAY from the martins. They need time to spot it, launch, capture and gulp. They will not accept food tossed AT them......

[Don & Danielle]

Well, I tried again this (Thursday) afternoon. First, I lowered our gourd rack & put 10-15 crickets in each gourd I thought may be occupied. One gourd had a ASY male still inside! He stayed put while I put crickets in front of him. I raised the rack, but then I had second thoughts. I lowered it again to see if this PM was in trouble, but he was gone. So, I guess he's OK.

Eventually, the whole bunch came back. I must have flipped 50+ crickets while 7-9 PMs were perched on the rack. Not a single taker. A few would twist their heads & watch, but not one cricket was eaten. My flipping finger is getting sore

I don't know if this means they're still OK, or if I am just wasting crickets

D&D

[starling shooter]

My PM seemed to stay in the gourds all day for the second straight day. When I made some noise slamming car doors, a couple poked their heads out. So, is the consensus to lower the housing and put crickets in the occupied gourds? Or wait till they may be perched on the rods?

I guess it is better to put in LIVE crickets?

[Bob Flam]

Shooter if they have been in the housing 2 days it's getting really close to them accepting supplemental food if they never have before.

It's tough for me to say exactly how to do it if the landlord doesn't have a perching pole or a place for them to gather besides on the housing. I have 3 perching poles and they will usually fly to them when I go out. Or if they don't have a feeder platform.

In those cases I suppose you would have to put them in their cavities or in containers on the porchs.

Live crickets could crawl out of the cavity or container or bury theirselves under the nesting material, if you put any in. Live mealworms could do the same but probably not as fast? But using live ones will work also.

I used live ones when I firt started trying myself. I've since found they don't need to be live now. But starting out using live crickets may be a good idea because they can see them crawling around also. With crickets you could pull off the long jumper legs? You can also put them in the fridge for about 10 minutes and it will slow them down.

You could have good luck with flipping if they have been in the housing a couple days. Staying in the housing is a great sign that they are not eating. Or they could maybe find some bugs, but not enough or the kind of bugs that makes flying and searching worth the effort. If they are out flying, they are finding something. It's when they stay in the housing that it's a sure sign they are going hungry. A couple days straight of that is when you will have your best luck getting them started on it with flipping.

suecola I left my crickets I put in the freezer about a hour or a little over. Make sure ya thaw em out 1st too. I had 10 birds here so 2 came from somewhere to stay here with mine during this weather.

I actually saw a couple bugs yesterday and it was 40 degrees and windy. My birds were staying in the housing until I fed them. Then they went out hunting. They may not have wasted the effort though on the very small amount of flying insects available if I hadn't fed mine too. They would come back when they saw me out there, so they weren't getting enough flying to sustain them.

Keep trying and read up, before long they will surprise you with flipping. If worst comes to worst you can put them in their compartments.

If you don't have a feeder platform and a perching pole, try and get some sometime. My thought is that every colony should have these. The perching poles offer them a place to land, preen, and watch without actually having to sit or land on someones else space on a house, and gives them an observation point from predators. The platforms can be used to offer supplemental food, nesting material, and egg/oyster shells.

bob

[Guest]

Bob,

I really appreciate your help and ideas.

It is 29 right now, but it is 6am. Going to a high of 40 with flurries today.
I am really worried, since I haven't seen them for 2 days. They must be hunkered down.

I have a second, plastic house, near my Goliad. I have fashioned a platform on the top of it using a plastic tray. I will put eggs and thawed crickets on it before I leave for work. I hope they will take it. I am not able to "flip" the crickets until tomorrow. I will try not to flush them out as I raise the other house, since it is so cold, but if I do, I will put some crickets in the porches.

I am so worried about them. They had been so happy prior to this.

Sue

[Guest]

Well,
I put out my cricket/egg mixture, the tray improvision worked well and seems sturdy. I am worried that there will be some starling interest in them though. I see the martins coming back, and looking at their entrance and the eggs, along with the starlings. I hope I don't invite those pests to dine...The martins seemed spooked. I hope they will be brave and re-enter their cavities. I put a few crickets inside them also. In the front part of the nest tray, and to the side.

I am sorry that I flushed out the martins, but it is 8 am and I am already late for work. I sent up a prayer that God will protect and help my martins.

P.S. I reset my starling trap, and there is already interest in it. I am sure it will freeze to death inside the trap before I get home. Ugh.


Sue

[BigT]

So far so good here in Columbus. My martins seem anxious to eat whenever I go out, take a few, then sit and watch. Yesterday they were very lethargic. I put crickets and handwarmers in the gourds last night, and this morning they were much more perky considering the conditions. I checked the gourds and 90% of the crickets were gone. I will reload again this evening. I think an evening meal and a good night's sleep helped them out. Hang in there everyone. Terry

[CraigMo.]

I am going to put the recommended amount of crickets in the side of the house where my 2 martins are staying today, to windy to fling em. I will have them trained to eat out of some kind of platter this year, if they survive. At my last site I had them trained to eat out of a platter and they knew what I was doing when I brought the eggs out in a little bowl, so they were always excited to see that bowl. Hopefully I won't spook them like it did to another landlord here on the forum. I also think a lot of good info has been here on this subject. This is the 1rst time I have had to feed because of cold weather. This is not fun , especially since this is a new site and I already have 2 martins and a couple of visitors coming by now and then. I am going to lower the houses in the warmest part of the day and I am sure this is gonna waste some of their energy, but I think I need to get the crickets available. I am wondering if I should just do it today and hope for the best til it warms up Monday. I don't know if I should waste their energy again tomorrow or Sunday. What are some of your thoughts on this? They fed on Wednesday and possibly yesterday morning, but am unsure on yesterday since I wasn't home. They have been basically in the compartment all day today for what I can tell. Again any help or suggestions would be great

[BigT]

Craig, I would put some in each compartment they are staying in, and check once a day. You will then know if they are getting anything to eat. I put the crickets off to the side, not directly in the entrance. Terry

[John Miller]

Craig

I put crickets in compartments yesterday -- hope they ate. I put the cricekts back a little from the entrance, and maybe only 10 or 15. It's so windy today I'm going to wait until about 5 p.m. to see if the wind calms and try again, and I'd try Sat and maybe Sun too. We do what we can.

John