'twas a bummer indeed. I've had dogs during all of my 6 decades, as has my wife. Now, when we need a dog "fix", we just drive over to our nearest daughter's house (about 10 miles distant). They have two dogs, two cats, two kids. You get the idea...

Wow man- sorry to hear that about having to give him away. I bet it broke your heart. Cats are good too- I have two of them, and they are definitely sane in comparison.

Thanks lizzie. The pooch is ChewBacca - Chewy for short.
I had to give him away for health reasons, (mine, not his), and we've missed his zany insanity. Next album will be the cats. Good company - saner energy levels.

The pix are beautiful, and your pooch looks adorable!

No problem- just let me know if you find them. Building bird houses is one of my hobbies, and I'm always interested in new ideas.

No worries on the timing.

I've been looking around for the stupid plans (they were on-line) and now I cannot seem to find the design I was referring to....

Color me frustrated. If I find them again we may be able to discuss this further.

Thanks!


mg

My apologies- I somehow missed your message two days ago.

It sounds like an interesting idea, but probably alot of trouble. I have my houses on a pulley system so that I can raise and lower them without getting out the 10 ft ladder. I started a thread with pix of one of the houses I built, and there's a couple more on my profile page in my album.
I just use hole plugs during the off season. I'd love to see photos of the house you mentioned. Is there one available online?

Edited to add: Keeping the holes covered during the off season only deters starlings and sparrows, then when they are opened back up, they will converge on the housing anyway. Imo, control is much more effective than deterrence.

Martin houses, eh?
I've found a plan for a Martin house which allows it to be effectively closed to other birds during the months of the Martins' absence. It has a pulley-operated mechanism that lowers doors over all the openings. I think it might actually work to prevent the starlings, sparrows and others from ruining the neighborhood, but it is a lot of work and expense to build.

What do you think? Would this work?

Welcome to PW Monty- you should introduce yourself in the welcome members forum.