MOUNTING YOUR MARTIN HOUSE
Place the Martin House on the top of the pole and slide it down until the top of the pole extends several inches above the roof. Now place the cupola on top of the pipe by putting the tension arms inside the pipe and pushing the cupola down tight against the pipe. Slide the house up until the roof is 1/2" from the cupola. Lock the house in place by tightening the set screw in the pole flange.
MOUNTING ADDITIONAL LEVELS OR MULTI-LEVEL HOUSE
To mount additional levels, remove the top level and mount the new level on the pole and tighten the set screw on the mounting flange. Replace the top level and tighten the set screw on the mounting flange. Next slide the lower level up snugly against the top level and retighten the set screw.
NOTE: The levels do not attach together. They are held in position by tightening the set screw on the mounting flange.
THE POLE (SOLD SEPARATELY)
A three piece telescoping pole is available from Heath Mfg. Company. The pole is made of sturdy galvanized steel tubing. The pole adjusts from 5 to 15 feet when installed. An 18" rust-proof ground socket is included. Use Heath model MP-15 Telescoping Pole only.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WOOD MARTIN HOUSE
Locate the 2 screws on the side of the house. Remove the two screws to gain access to the interior of the house. Clean as needed, and replace front panels and screws.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Purple Martins consume large quantities of insects including mosquitoes, house flies, wasps, beetles and dragonflies.
The Purple Martin is the largest of the swallow family.
Martins prefer to live in colonies. This is why martin houses are designed like apartment houses.
The Purple Martin arrives in the southern states from their winter quarters in Central and South America late in January. Their movement north is leisurely, generally arriving in the northern states in mid-April. Male scouts precede the advancing flock selecting nesting sites. Your martin house should be installed prior to the arrival of these scouts.
ERECTING AND CARE OF YOUR MARTIN HOUSE
The location of your martin house is very important. Your martin house should be placed in an area that is open for approximately 25 feet on at least three sides.
Houses should be mounted on a pole and elevated to a height ranging from 12-18 feet from the ground. In order to facilitate easier cleaning of the house, make sure that the pole can be lowered without removing it from the ground.
Good ventilation and drainage are a must for the health of your martins. Martin houses that do not offer adequate ventilation and drainage can contribute to the death of young birds. If there is a heavy loss of young, the martins may abandon the house completely.
After the martins have left for the season, remove the old nests and clean the house thoroughly. After cleaning, either store the house or, if you are leaving the house up, make sure the entrance holes are blocked. Do not replace the house or unblock the entrance holes until it is time for the scouts in the spring. This will keep unwanted birds from nesting in the house.
WAYS TO HELP PURPLE MARTINS AT NESTING TIME
You may wish to provide nesting material for your martins. These are some of the items used by martins: twigs, leaves , pine straw, grass, straw and bark. Also, a mud puddle will provide your martins with a source of mud to use as mortar.
Supply your martins with dried, pulverized egg shells. Egg shells have a high calcium content and excellent grit properties that the birds do not get from their insect diet. These should be left on an elevated surface in the vicinity of the martin house. Be sure the platform has adequate drainage.
Please email us your questions on accessories or purple martin information at wildbird@heathmfg.com
