Purple Martin Forum

How odd. Are you gonna let it nest?

Emil thanks for info, I'll head into town and get more netting. This should be easy to work with. I was looking out my window yesterday afternoon and something caught my eye in a crape myrtle. Yep, a copperhead lounging about 6 feet off the ground. This is the second time I've seen one in shrubs so ...

It's just my opinion, but they are too big, heavy and awkward.

I do have 8 Double gourds that are filled every year. Lots of room. All but 8 of my gourds are S&K but I just never have liked the whistle gourd.

Peggy

Thanks everyone for your ideas! I have read about the electronic thing that sends out a vibration. It sounds good but it could be just like the solar owl guards. Some say it works and others say it doesn't! Any cat or bird wouldn't fair too well here, we have 6 dogs. I'd love to have the peacocks an...

That great John! You shouldn't have to treat again.

If it is mites you will see them all over the house inside and out. You'd have seen them on your hands when you held the baby. It's possible he got pushed off by another!

It's Copperheads and my dogs. Today is the 6th bite in the last 6 weeks! My lab has been bit 3 times this year, 5 times total. He is pretty much immune per the vet. My white shepherd has been bit twice this year, one was a dry bite on the nose, the other on the foot cost me $485 two weeks ago. He ha...

John just a reminder to check for mites, it's time for them to appear if you haven't treated your house. They are a primary cause for young jumpers.

Peggy

I don't get too much mess until hatching then I get some poop sacs. Mostly they carry them away before they get dropped! I'd blame the starlings.

Keep up the good work and you'll be spreading martins all over the area.

My guess is that it's fledglings coming by to visit. My place is covered in the evening with fledglings that come in for the night. You can tell they really are "brand new"!

Good call, Gary!

That would be a good idea just don't overdo it! It's not uncommon to find nests like that. I've added materials when needed but don't be surprised if you find that what you added has been pushed aside.

Peggy

Laura as they get bigger they'll move around. They'll go to the front to be fed. First come, first served! It's normal.

Way to go, I'm so happy for you! Enjoy!

What a idiot.. I don't think it's your fault at all. It'd buy a roll on netting and put it up, then when the season ends I'd take all my stuff back. When a snake gets in the netting make him deal with it without your help. Maybe he can learn that way. It makes me sad when I hear "we don't have snake...

Brian try a screwdriver underneath the hole on the outside. Just pry it and entrance should come off.

Also you can add traction tape to the inside of the gourd entrance and that should help.

Gotcha! Maybe mine don't because I have the add-a-rack attached. That adds a good bit of weight.

Otherwise do you like the house?

Yes they will accept another birds chicks but they need to be the same age if possible. During the drought year here in 2011 I had 3 I had to move. All but one survived. One was a lot smaller than the others in the nest and the female kept feeding it even after her babies fledged. As soon as he fled...

Mine doesn't wobble. It fits right up into the metal top plate. If its not all the way into the plate it does move a little but the square pole stops it.

Is there a lot of movement? Maybe nylon spacers of some kind would help.

Some one on the forum had a male feed until fledging, so it can happen.

Keep us posted.

Oh Fred, that's just horrible. I know they kill babies and take eggs but killing an adult female is odd since the males plan is usually to mate. Could it have been a subbie female? I still have trouble telling female subbies!

I bet your ready for the season to end.

Peggy