The supergourd rack system pros and cons?

[Gene Crosby]

I am thinking about adding a supergourd rack system to my colony. I have two 24 unit Heath houses in my back yard near a 2.5 acre pond. I had approximately 34 pairs last year. I want to add to my colony and I am thinking about putting up a supergourd rack system near the side of my house at the end of the driveway leading to the carport.

My concerns are there are no perches at the entrance for the martins to land on and I think the gourds will get hotter than the heath houses. I know most people don't like the Heath houses, but I do.

I drilled small indenture holes in the pole for the bolts so that the house will not turn or slip down the pole. The holes are 6 and 3 quarters inches apart and this gives a lot of ventilation between each level and it aids in keeping the Louisiana heat down. Also, the martins are positioned so that they can see 360 degrees around the house making it hard for a hawk to make a surprise attack. The martins seem to like the houses and the 34 pairs is a very conservative estimate. I like watching the martins set on the perches and it seems the perch makes it easier for them to feed their young. Looking for advise.

Thanks

[CraigMo.]

Are you talking about the Deluxe Gourd Rack? If so I have one that holds 12 gourds and can add to it if needed. I love my rack, it is very strong easy to raise and lower gourds. I also have the super gourds with crescent openings and pmca porches added to them which act like a perch also. I have never had a starling enter them yet, but talk on this forum is that maybe the clinger entrance is the way to go. I am gonna stick to my openings til a starling proves me wrong. I also have added dowel rods to the gourd hanging arms to add more perching. Many folks on this forum have this rack and ones like it so you will get replies with their thoughts as they see it. If you are talking about super gourds they also perch on the rain canopy of the gourd. I would recommend adding porches just for perching and possibly more protection from predators. There are a few porches on the market so you would have to decide what you wanted. I live in Missouri and it gets hot here also, but I have not had any over heating problems that I know of. People do add vents to their gourds, but I have not. Perches/porches to me is important. I think they hang around longer for us to watch them, easier access to get in and out of the gourd,maybe more protection from predators Good Luck Craig