Large Purple Martin Bird House Plans

Essential Aspects of Large Purple Martin Bird House Plans

Purple martins are beautiful, social birds that are a joy to observe. If you're interested in attracting these birds to your property, providing them with a well-designed birdhouse is essential. Here are some of the most important aspects to consider when building or purchasing a large purple martin birdhouse:

Size and Dimensions

Large purple martin birdhouses should be at least 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 24 inches tall. This size will accommodate a colony of 12-15 pairs of martins. The birdhouse should also have a minimum of 12 compartments, each measuring 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 6 inches tall. The compartments should be arranged in a circular or U-shape, with a common entrance hole in the center.

Entrance Hole Size and Placement

The entrance hole should be 2 inches in diameter and placed 6 inches above the floor of the birdhouse. This size and placement will allow martins to enter and exit the birdhouse easily while preventing other birds from entering. The entrance hole should also be protected from the elements by a small overhang.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the birdhouse from becoming too hot in the summer. There should be at least two ventilation holes, one near the top of the birdhouse and one near the bottom. The holes should be covered with mesh to prevent birds from entering.

Predator Protection

Purple martins are vulnerable to predators such as owls, hawks, and snakes. To protect the birds, the birdhouse should be placed on a pole at least 10 feet tall. The pole should be smooth and free of branches that predators could use to climb. The birdhouse should also have a predator guard, which is a metal or plastic device that prevents predators from reaching the entrance hole.

Materials

Large purple martin birdhouses can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Wood is the most common material, and it is a good choice because it is durable and insulates well. Plastic is another good option, and it is easy to clean and maintain. Metal birdhouses are not as common, but they are very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Maintenance

Large purple martin birdhouses require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. The birdhouse should be cleaned out once a year, and the entrance hole should be checked for obstructions. The predator guard should also be inspected regularly and repaired or replaced if necessary.

Additional Features

There are a few additional features that you can add to a large purple martin birdhouse to make it more attractive to the birds. These features include: