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Dead female bluebirds

14 years ago

I have found 3 female bluebirds, all with 5 eggs in the nest, dead about 5 or 10 feet from the box. I have had these same bluebird boxes for years and this has never happened before. I clean the boxes every year so all nests are new. Has anyone else had this problem or does anyone have an idea what may be happening? This is very distressing. Thanks for your help.

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Comments (5)

kendra2003
14 years ago
Oh, how sad. Of course you are distressed. I believe you are saying all the eggs are still in the boxes? Do you have sparrow spookers up on the boxes? The only thing I can think of that would kill all 3 bluebirds, but not eat them would be house sparrows. Are you seeing any house sparrows now trying to use the boxes?
lisa11310
14 years ago
Sounds like a cat. Are your boxes mounted properly? www.sialis.org this site will show you how to keep your Blues safe.
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No, the male can not incubate and brood the babies. They can take care of them once they are about a week old. Do you have cats? Check the nest for eggs. If there are eggs put a small dot on one with a marker then check to see if it has been moved. You want to be sure it was YOUR bird that you found the remains of.
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Sure, it's normal. Often the male will bring food to her while she sits. Just give them time. Females can sometimes be quite brave while on the nest, but it's best to give them some space. Try checking the box once a week to track the progress.
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The male will not incubate the eggs. Its best to get rid of the eggs and hopefully he will find another mate and use the same nesting spot.
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I am finding a similar situation with my blue bird. She laid 4 eggs. None have hatched and they are past the 20 incubation period but she is still sitting on them. This is my first time experiencing this so i'm not sure what to do at this point. I don't want her to keep sitting on eggs that won't hatch but it breaks my heart to remove them from her.
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lcmoore99
14 years ago
Oh how horrible!! I am so sorry for your loss.

Linda...
dzyg
14 years ago
So sorry this has happened. I would think if it were HOSP the momma would be dead in the nest, not that far away from the box. Did you look them over at all and see any marks? Hope you can figure out what is happening.

Donna
forpityssake
14 years ago
Poor things.

Had anyone used pesticides/insecticides in your area?

Gosh! I know how you feel!

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