![]() You can purchase a 'quick release' predator baffle here: The combination of a cylinder / pole guard with the netting mountedĪbove the guard will predator-proof your poles and protect your nesting Predator Baffle w/ Netting - Materials & Mounting : Even a fence charger can fail though, so backup guards are still needed, in form of baffle and netting. The only drawback to this method is, unless you have your fencing also plugged into a backup power source, then a power outage would leave your poles open to a predator attack. Electric Fence Guards - If you have an electrical outlet nearby, or can connect to a fence charger, this is a great way to protect your poles from any climbing critters. Netting should be placed above the predator baffle in puffy layers,Įnsuring there is no space for the snake to climb between the nettingĪnd pole, or over the netting. ![]() Netting-For those in areas with large snakes 1/2 - 3/4" bird netting can be used as a secondary line of defense. Per the PMCA, they should be installed at least 4 ft above the ground (higher if possible), 8 inches in diameter, and 2 ft long. Pole guards are commercially available (PMCA recommends a quick release pole guard for ease of use) or you can make Tall, round or square, metal or wood, it can easily be climbed by Guards are cylindrical or conical in shape and help prevent raccoons or The Basics- Recommended Predator Guards ( from the PMCA): Pole Guards-Also called predator baffles, pole I am a firm believer that we should NOT create a free 'all-you-can-eatīuffet' for any predator by giving them free reign and unhindered access ![]() With such challenges and losses already, it becomes even more critical Of purple martins are lost during migration both to and from Brazil. Multitude of obstacles and aerial predators. See the PMCA page: Twelve Reasons Why People Lose Their Purple Martinsīy the time the martins get here, they have already had to deal with a Check out the link below to see what is the number ONE reason for why people lose their martins. The impact of a predator attack is well documented by the PMCA and by landlords who have experienced the regrettable losses firsthand - they will be the first people to tell you - "Don't let it happen to you". People don't go out and buy chickens & ducks and then not protect them from the resident coyotes, raccoons & owls, so why are our purple martins - a resource that is so much more precious - treated as expendable?Ī fourth nestling was found on the porch and had been squeezed to death by the same snake in the picture above. Many experienced landlords are well aware that after a predator attack, the surviving martins may never return - in fact, many sites remain empty for years afterward. Who wants the stress of not knowing whether the surviving martins will return in the next season?Ī landlord removed the predator guards for one night and found this snake in the cavity the next morning - full of 3 nestlings. What we need are MORE purple landlords that know how to make their sites safe AND productive - the very pleasant side effect of that is the landlord has an even more enjoyable season.Īfter all, who wants to pull a snake out of their purple martin housing, or clean up the blood & mess after a raccoon attack? That's not 'enjoyable' to me. We need MORE purple landlords hosting these magnificent birds - but not just throwing up a pole and a house / gourds and ignoring it, because, that's where the predators will take advantage. It makes me sad every season to read about the losses - sad for the landlords who worked so hard to attract them, sad for the purple martins who died needlessly, and even more sad for the loss of what could have been a productive site contributing to the overall population and well-being of the species. So many Purple Martins are lost each year to snake and raccoon attacks. The bulge in the snake's head is from the first 8-day old nestling he just consumed. Screenshot taken from video by Dan Pancamo (Full video linked below). Martin housing so they could offer 'free food' to a raccoon or a snake. Have never met a purple martin landlord that wanted to set up purple Whether landlords should use predator guards or not begin on the multiple In the East and sets in the West, the inevitable debates regarding Per the PMCA, pole-mounted predator guards are an important part of being a conscientious and successful landlord, yet at the beginning of each Purple Martin season, as sure as the sun rises
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