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How to attract Purple Martins and keep them coming.

Martins are colony nesters that only nest in artificial sites in the eastern U.S making us the stewards for all their housing.

Martins like being close to people and housing should be placed in the center of the most open spot available, about 30'-100' from human housing. Don’t allow plants to grow around the base of the pole because they become hiding places for predators.

Keep trees taller than the house 40-60 feet away from the colony. Wires can be close to the house and martins will use them to perch but don’t attach them to the house because predators could use them to get to the house.

Martins aren't the only birds interested in your gourds but martins aren't into sharing. You must keep the house available to them to build a site tendency which will bring them back to the house year after year.

For new houses the likely takers are first-year adult martins. They migrated as juveniles and return as adults looking to nest about one month after their parents. Putting the house out around mid-April gets competitors nesting in other locations and lets the house be open for arriving first-year martins.

We can special order many types of martin houses but choose to stock only gourds after learning about our customers’ experiences. Martins seem to choose gourds, they are light weight, highly durable, and starlings and sparrows seem to less interested in gourds..

Houses should be cleaned yearly with a mild bleach solution Rinse well and dry in the sun. Gourds are easily cleaned by removing one screw in the neck and snapping them apart; they easily snap back together.

The Birdhouse is

at your service.

We want you to have a great experience with the birds and your new feeder. First you should know that all yards are different. What works in one may not in another. That’s why we are at your service to help you troubleshoot any feeder issues you may have. This Product Newsletter has many great tips for you to get started and gives you knowledge of some common issues faced in the backyard.

If you need you need extra answers just give us a call at 812-273-1193 or you can catch us in person at 108 East Main Street in downtown Madison Indiana.

We are available to answer your questions

Mon-Sat 10-5 and

Sun 12-4 (Mar.-Dec.)

We welcome you to visit us often and we’ll look forward to seeing you again soon at The Birdhouse where natural fun is our specialty.