Perching Rods

Guest · Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:01 pm

I have seen many things on here being used for perching rods and all look to work great. I have been using old arrows, my hubby is an archer and when one is a little bent or cracked it has to be retired. so far the martins love them. Lot cheaper even if you buy them new then some of the fancy stuff people r using. U can pick up a whole box of fiberglass arrows (12 or so) at any major retail store and there you go. Just an idea to throw out there, but it works great for us.

Spiderman · Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:15 pm

If you have a Tractor Supply close by they have a fiberglas rod that is used in electric fencing. They are 3/8" in diameter and 32" or 36"s long.

They require a light coat of paint so the fiberglas won't splinter but I think they were a little over $1.00 apiece. They have held up well for me.

Guest · Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:50 pm

Garden stakes work very well.

Keith · Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:11 pm

ShannonD,
I'm sure many items can be effectively used as perch rods. What I find that works well are the rods from old TV antennas. These are perfect diameters and are light in weight and actually cost nothing when finding them being discarded.
Keith

Virgil McCoy · Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:40 pm

I've used 3/8" fiberglass rods in the past but found they deteriorate from exposure to sunlight creating a real mess and safety hazard. After one season in the sunlight fiberglass breaks down into very fine particles just like house insulation.

Virgil McCoy · Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:41 pm

I've used 3/8" fiberglass rods in the past but found they deteriorate from exposure to sunlight creating a real mess and safety hazard. After one season in the sunlight fiberglass breaks down into very fine particles just like house insulation.

Emil Pampell-Tx · Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:44 pm

I use the table saw to rip scrap boards, I rip them about 3/8in square, they last many years. Cedar, redwood, or treated pine all work good.

terrapincove · Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:37 pm

Try Phragmites Stalks as they are free, natural and often found where the martin are.

click below for pictures

http://www.google.com/images?q=Phragmit ... 40&bih=723

Guest · Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:13 pm

Thanks everyone! All good ideas.

Sam Harris · Fri Jan 14, 2011 9:54 pm

I got an old TV antenna and cut off the cross bars. They are 3/8s diameter aluminum and I painted them green to match my Trios.

Joe Zorn · Sat Jan 15, 2011 12:01 am

My favorite perch, if I don't do Emil's table saw thing, is to buy a bag of bamboo sticks at wallyworld or other garden supply. For about $3 you get about 25 - 3' long natural cane rods. They usually last two or three years. (they paint them green....I know!)

razman · Sat Jan 15, 2011 12:35 am

3" long??? i hope you meant 3' long Joe........

Joe Zorn · Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:34 pm

I think so. I don't think they were that short.

I'm still typing with one finger on the left hand. The shift from inches to feet is kind of tricky with left hand only.

There. I think I fixed it. It feet now!

razman · Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:36 am

just messin with ya Joe.....i can't imagine trying to type with one hand! you are doing FINE!

Grady · Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:33 am

I recently used fiberglass rods found at Lowes. The 48 inch rods are about 3/8" thick. I haven't observed the deterioration as mentioned above but I've only had them up for 1 season.
They are about $2 each. They are called "Hillman Group 48" Reflective Staff
Item #: 222125 | Model #: 848638" if you are interested in looking them up.

Fredmyyster · Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:53 am

Great ideas, thanks !

Carlton · Sun Jan 16, 2011 6:10 pm

I like to use the thinnest bamboo garden stakes and wedge the thinnest end under the door clips on my Trio House. The stake projects out the side off the porch and makes a fine perch as well as securing the door so that is does not open accidentally. They can be easily pulled out when making nest checks. Has worked well for me for many seasons. Do not use ones that are too thick though and damage the door clips.