Hybrid Multi-House Pole
The Hybrid Multi-House Pole combines two popular Purple Martin housing styles into one heavy-duty system, giving you space for two aluminum Purple Martin houses and up to 12 gourds on the same pole. The upper portion supports aluminum housing, while the lower portion incorporates the gourd-hanging design used on our Super System. Built around a heavy-duty 3-inch square, three-piece aluminum pole, the Hybrid is an excellent choice for landlords who want the benefits of both traditional aluminum houses and gourds in one versatile colony.
Why Is It Called a Hybrid?
The Hybrid gets its name because it combines features of a traditional Multi-House Pole with the gourd-hanging design of our Super System. The upper portion is designed to support two compatible aluminum Purple Martin houses, while the lower portion provides one level of hanging space for 12 gourds. Instead of choosing between houses and gourds, the Hybrid lets you offer both nesting styles within one system.
Aluminum House Mounting
Four 1-1/2” x 48” aluminum angle arms create the support system for the aluminum houses. The house-supporting arms measure approximately 37-1/2 inches overall and are designed to accommodate most compatible aluminum Purple Martin houses.
For successful nesting, aluminum houses used on the Hybrid should have apartments on the front and back only. Houses with apartments on all four sides, octagonal houses, and other housing configurations with side-facing compartments should not be used. Because of the location of the center pole, side-facing apartments can interfere with the Martins’ flight path and access to their nesting compartments.
12-Gourd Hanging System
Below the aluminum houses is a single gourd-hanging level patterned after our Super System design. The four aluminum angle arms have gourd-hanging locations spaced 16 inches on center, providing three hanging positions on each arm for a total capacity of 12 gourds.
The Hybrid includes 12 individual 3/8-inch solid aluminum gourd mounting arms in three styles:
- 4 Straight Horizontal Gourd Mounting Arms
- 4 Horizontal 90° Gourd Mounting Arms
- 4 Horizontal 45° Gourd Mounting Arms
Using the different mounting-arm styles helps vary the position of the gourds around the system. Gourds are sold separately, allowing you to choose the gourd styles and entrances that best fit your colony.
Heavy-Duty 3-Inch Square Aluminum Pole
At the heart of the Hybrid is our 3-inch square, three-piece, 16-foot aluminum pole. The square design provides the strength and stability needed to support this combination of aluminum housing and hanging gourds.
The system also includes a heavy-duty aluminum ground stake. The ground stake is installed approximately 24 inches into the ground with 24 inches remaining above ground, with the pole sliding over the stake and resting on the concrete base.
Raise and Lower Your Housing for Nest Checks
The Hybrid uses a cable-and-winch system to raise and lower the entire housing and gourd assembly vertically along the pole. An aluminum hub fitted with nylon glide buttons helps the system travel smoothly while reducing metal-to-metal contact.
A Dutton-Lainson brake winch and approximately 34 feet of 3/16-inch stainless steel cable are included. For landlords who prefer a different raising and lowering system, a worm gear winch is available as an upgrade.
Being able to lower your housing makes regular nest checks, maintenance, and end-of-season cleaning much more convenient without requiring the houses and gourds to be permanently positioned overhead.
Top Perch and Finishing Details
At the top of the system is an aluminum ball top along with one 72-inch-long, 3/8-inch solid aluminum top perch rod, providing Martins with additional elevated perching space above the colony.
A House-and-Gourd Colony on One Pole
The Hybrid Multi-House Pole is a great option for Purple Martin landlords who enjoy the traditional appearance of aluminum houses but also want to provide gourds as additional nesting choices. With room for two compatible aluminum houses plus 12 gourds, a heavy-duty 3-inch square aluminum pole, multiple gourd mounting-arm styles, and a convenient winch-and-cable system, the Hybrid brings two different styles of Purple Martin housing together in one thoughtfully designed system.
Please Note: The Hybrid Multi-House Pole is designed for compatible aluminum Purple Martin housing and gourds. It is not compatible with T-14 housing.
