It happens all the time. You won't have to worry about splitting up any chicks, because they almost never hatch in these circumstances. When there are too many eggs, those on the outside get chilled, and eventually get rotated inside, where the inside eggs get rotated out to be chilled and die, so they all get a chance to be exposed at one time or another. In the unlikely event that one or two does hatch, there will still be many others unhatched, and so the hens often stay too long on the nest, while the hatched chicks die. Best thing to do is remove all eggs, and house a hen that you want to set in a seperate pen. Give her a few weeks, or months depending on breed, and she'll start to lay again. Replace her eggs with dummy eggs, you only need to leave 2 or 3. When she starts to set again, replace the dummies with a dozen or so of her or someone else's eggs, that have not been themselves left in a nest. You'll know the exact hatch date, and they'll all hatch at once.

I checked the box when I came home today and the unhatched egg was still there.I removed it with a spoon as suggested,it was definately not fertile,so I am glad I did remove it before it became a problem.I agree if it hatched too much later than the others,it would be fighting for food.However that was not the case,so all is well and there are 4 beautiful babies in the box.Now to decide how long to leave the wren guard on.Decisions,decisions.Who said this wasn't work?But it sure is enjoyable.Happy bluebirding to all.......Jane

I've been consumed w/ getting ready for new carpet (done yesterday!) and am now back. My cleaned-out box is still open until I can safeguard it. Dzyg, I hear what you're saying about the racoons. I had lots when I lived on Cape Cod and in CO; but I'm out a lot at night here and I've never seen a single one - which has surprised me. Also, I went back and looked at the nest and realized it *is* somewhat flattened; what's deceiving is that the egg has gotten pushed down under part of the nesting material which makes it appear deep. Lisa 11310, I did monitor the previous nest. I was initially checking it every 2-3 days, but then I read somewhere that you should only do it once weekly. I didn't check it after day 12 b/c of the danger of causing the chicks to fledge prematurely. Then I waited 9 more days b/c sialis says it can take up to 21 days. Should I have done differently? I've read and studied the info on sialis re predator guards, trying to decide my best course of action. Altho the tack strips would probably work, I agree w/ the person who said they're inhumane. I'd really like to keep the wooden posts if possible; it says the stovepipe baffle works on them. I can get 10" x 2' ducting, is there any reason that wouldn't be effective? Does it make a difference whether what's above the baffle is a wooden post or a metal pole or conduit? I know squirrels can jump quite a distance; could they jump over / around the baffle to the box which is mounted so the entrance hole is at 5'? I've checked the open box for ants and haven't seen any more since putting the vaseline on the post.

Apparently the incubation phase is over. I see both male & female BB sitting on top of the box together frequently. Alternating hanging onto the openning. The female rarely goes all the way in; I assume it must be very crowded in there! The male appears to be cleaning the nest as I observe particles in his beak as he reaches in and flys away with something white. The eggs that are going to hatch must be done. The female hangs on the front; reaches in; then flys away, I assume, to gather food. I am not sure how many of the second set of seven eyes hatched. I have tried to get a peek but the two birds are very busy and frequently around the box. I have chosen to stay away to not disturb them. It has continued to be a joy to watch them at work. I hope to get an opportunity by the end of the week to observe the number of little birds in the nest. I'll be VERY CAREFUL when I open the box to see. A neighborhood cat has spotted the nest; yesterday I walked out toward the nest and it ran away. I'll keep an eye out for him. I like cats, but, certainly do not want it to harm the BB. Thanks for all the helpful information. BJT in South Carolina