Starling Stopper for Troyer Tunnel with Conley II Entrance
The Starling Stopper is designed for Purple Martin landlords who are having problems with European Starlings breaching a Conley II entrance. Although the Conley II entrance is highly effective at excluding most starlings, some smaller starlings—especially in parts of the southern United States—may still be able to enter. The Starling Stopper slightly reduces the effective size of the Conley II opening to provide an additional level of starling resistance.
This product is very specific in its application. It can only be used on a Troyer Tunnel equipped with a Conley II entrance.
It will not work with:
- Crescent entrances
- Round entrances
- Wooden houses by themselves
- Any entrance that does not use a Troyer Tunnel with Conley II
The Starling Stopper may be used on Troyer Vertical or Troyer Horizontal Gourds when they are equipped with the proper Troyer Tunnel and Conley II entrance.
It can also be used on a T-14 house, but only when the house has been fitted with a Troyer Tunnel with Collar and that tunnel uses the Conley II entrance.
How It Works
The Starling Stopper mounts directly to the front of the Troyer Tunnel and slightly reduces the size of the Conley II entrance opening. Each stopper installs with three stainless steel screws, which are included.
Because the opening becomes smaller, it is very important to monitor your Purple Martins after installation. Purple Martins can vary in size, and if a particular bird has difficulty entering the modified opening, the Starling Stopper should be removed.
Who Should Use a Starling Stopper?
This product is primarily recommended for established Purple Martin landlords who are experiencing repeated starling breaches through Conley II entrances.
It is generally not recommended for someone attempting to attract Purple Martins for the first time, because the reduced entrance size could make a new site more difficult for investigating martins to enter. An exception may be a location with severe starling pressure where trapping or controlling starlings is not practical.
Regional Considerations
Starling size can vary geographically. We have received more reports of Conley II breaches from southern states, where some starlings appear to be smaller.
Areas where starling breaches have historically been reported more frequently include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
We generally do not recommend Starling Stoppers for Minnesota or Wisconsin, where both Purple Martins and European Starlings tend to be larger. Regardless of location, carefully monitoring your birds after installation is essential.
Important Trap Information
A Troyer Tunnel Trap cannot be used while the Starling Stopper is installed. If you need to use a tunnel trap, first remove the Starling Stopper by backing out the three stainless steel screws. It can then be reinstalled afterward.
Features
- Designed exclusively for Troyer Tunnels with Conley II entrances
- Adds an extra level of starling resistance
- Made from opaque polyethylene
- UV treated for outdoor use
- Includes 3 stainless steel mounting screws
- Sold individually
- Easy to install and remove
- Can be used on properly equipped Troyer Gourds
- Can be used on a T-14 house with a Troyer Tunnel with Collar and Conley II entrance
Important
The Starling Stopper is not a universal entrance reducer. It must be used with a Troyer Tunnel and Conley II entrance. Always monitor your Purple Martins closely after installation to make sure they can enter comfortably.
