How to Put Up Martin Houses

Purple Martin houses are apartment style, with several birds nesting in one house. They are recognizable because they stand on high poles in well lit areas. Purple Martins can be very picky about where they nest, but once they make their decision, they return to the same spot every season. Set up your Martin house right and you'll have seasonal visitors for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Post hole digger
• Pole
• Level
• Shovel

1. Find a spot in the most open-air area in your yard at least 50 feet from the house. There should not be any buildings or trees taller than the birdhouse within 40 feet of the birdhouse in any direction. Purple Martins are skittish birds that don't like to feel boxed in. The threat of too much human interaction may scare them off.

2. Dig a hole with the post hole digger that is a third the length of the total pole your birdhouse rests on. For example, if you want your Martin House to be 12 feet tall, dig a 6-foot hole for an 18-foot pole.

3. Insert the pole in the hole. Have a partner hole the pole while you use the level to make sure the beam is straight.

4. Pack in the dirt with the end of the shovel as you fill the hole. Keep checking to make sure the pole is straight with the level.

5. Attach your Martin house to the top of the pole. There is no singularly correct way to do this. The method you use to attach your birdhouse to your pole will depend on such factors as the size and shape of your house, what the house is made of and the size and type of pole you use.

Tips & Warnings

• Purple Martins migrate in spring, so have your birdhouse ready by early March to increase the chance that birds will move into your yard.
• In the southern areas of the Purple Martin habitat, from Texas to Florida, the birds are less picky and can be housed just 15 feet from your home or trees.
• Martin houses should be at least 10 feet in the air.
• You can dig a shallower hole for the pole of your Martin house if you secure the pole in the hole with cement.
• These instructions are based on the fact that you already have a Purple Martin house prepared and just need to put it up.
• Take down or plug up your Martin house in October and through the winter to prevent other birds such as sparrows from nesting there. Their presence will deter the Martins from returning.

References

• Bird House Info
• Building a Martin House
• Installing a Pole