November  21, 2004

Purple Martin Birdhouses – Establish and Maintain One in Your Yard

Establishing purple martin birdhouses in your backyard that will entice these lovely birds to nest is easy, so long as you follow some simple directions.

Your purple martin birdhouse should be painted white, or a light pastel or cream color. The trim can be any color you like (red, blue, green, purple), but martins definitely prefer white houses. This is likely because white reflects the heat of the sun and thus keeps nesting areas cooler.

Purple martin bird houses generally have multiple compartments, as martins like to nest together in one house. Look for a birdhouse whose compartments are about 5" to 7" high and whose entrance hole is somewhere in the range of 1-3/4" to 2-1/8". Reputable stores or online companies that sell birdhouses will know the best dimensions for your purple martin bird house.

When purchasing your martin house, look for one that gives you easy access to the compartments. You’ll need to check on the nestlings often (sometimes daily) and won’t want to wrestle with a birdhouse that is difficult to get into. There is a wide selection of purple martin bird houses that raise and lower vertically with the help of a pulley system, which is also extremely practical for those of you who like to inspect your birdhouses often.

The Number One Rule of Real Estate: Location, Location, Location

Location is very important for the success of purple martin houses because martins have very specific needs and requirements. In fact, the primary cause for purple martin houses not thriving is that they have been placed in inappropriate locations.

Purple martins like their houses to be placed in the centre of the most open space available. Anywhere from 30 to 120 feet from your house (or any other human dwelling) is preferable. It is best if there are no trees taller than the purple martin house within 40 to 60 feet. In fact, the further you can place your martin house from any trees, the better.

The main reason purple martins houses do not succeed, is because people fail to establish them correctly in their yards. This is too bad because martins are one species of birds that will come back every year to the same nesting place, as long as that site is maintained properly. They are also an incredible bird because they are one of the few species that nest almost solely in birdhouses. Thus, they are incredibly dependent upon humans and the bird houses they erect in their yards.

Purchasing and establishing a purple martin house in your yard can be a fulfilling and wonderful experience. Particularly if the same birds return to nest every year! Check with your local gardening centre or do a quick search online to learn more about attracting purple martins into your backyard. You will also find that online gardening stores carry one of the best selections of purple martin houses at some very good prices!

About The Author:
Erin McMillan is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. Erin loves sharing knowledge and education through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Erin McMillan
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com