One Lesson Learned and One Question

Billy Stephens · Sat Jan 28, 2012 6:43 pm

First the lesson learned. I posted this picture last year, (I think this is the same one) and someone commented on how the pine straw looked, like I ran it through a grinder to make it softer. I was getting the straw from the edge of my driveway where it had been run over by our vehicles. Some of you might remember the post. I thought this "softer bedding" would be a good idea. Then one day while out in the yard, I noticed something peculiar. At first I thought it was rather comical until I realized it was a martin hanging upside down, with its claw caught in the pine straw. My son and I released it and I cant say for certain if it ever came back. While it seemed like it would make nice, comfortable bedding, some of it had the texture similar to the artificial grass that you put into Easter baskets. I did not realize this would create a problem. Needless to say, today I replaced all bedding in my gourds with new straw in its natural state. Now for the question. I have had two racks up the last couple of years. A total of 24 gourds. Last year, even though I had plenty of Martins stay for a while, all in one rack. I had only two mating pairs. The Martins do investigate my second rack, but none have stayed the night in it that I know of. Should I even bother with the second rack until the first one is nearly full? I thought by putting two up, the extra housing would make my site look more inviting. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Billy

Tim Stover · Sat Jan 28, 2012 7:05 pm

i would put them all up the more the better here some just want their own rack like their starting their own little colony this is my opinion

MingjoMartins · Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:31 pm

Billy - I would put up both racks - my first year I had 3 pair across 3 different types of housing (gourd, T14 wooden, and PVC). Last year I had birds spread out to all 4 offerings (gourds, T14 wooden, PVC, and Metal Trendsetter). I think they like choices, and I think it's helps especially with SY males and picky females who want to explore different offerings. Good luck to u!

John

Emil Pampell-Tx · Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:11 pm

I don't think that it will ever happen again that a martin will get his feet caught in pine straw. My opinion is that something unusual like that may happen, but I sure would not worry about it or do anything different.

flyin-lowe · Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:52 am

If it is bothering you then I would not soften them like you do and just stick them in there as you find them. There are thousands of landlords who can vouch for the fact that the martins will use them straight off the ground. If you feel better making them softer then go that route, they won't mind either way.

Doug Martin - PA · Sun Jan 29, 2012 2:34 pm

Your questions have been answered well. I agree.

I would also agree to leave both racks up. They will expand to it this year. Make sure there are no European wasps or bees in there.

Doug

Guest · Sun Jan 29, 2012 2:47 pm

Actually pine needles from the side of the road and driveways are better than straight off the tree,they weave together better,lay flatter and as you say are softer,,,,all pluses in my book.I wouldn't worry about a hang up again.I have never even heard of such a thing and thousands upon thousands have them that way I'm sure.

dick