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Is this typical

17 years ago

I have had the same bluebird house for several years. Each year they raised 2 or 3 broods with no problem. This year all three chicks from the first batch are staying around and are even bringing food to the latest brood. Could this be because I have been feeding mealworms very close to the nest, and the parents haven't taught the young to look elsewhere? The male has tried to run them off to no avail. Should I stop putting out the mealworms and force them to forage elsewhere?

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Comments (2)

dmarieok
17 years ago
Naw....what we don't see is that they learn how to eat normally" as well. I have fed mealworms for years. There is no way you could possibly put out enough to meet their entire nutritional needs. Remember that those chicks have to be fed approximately every 15 minutes or so and unless your dish is constantly full, or has an endless supply, the parents are having to supplement. The true picture is that we are supplementing them...same with bird feeders we hang in our yards for other species...they do not break the "natural instinct" of the birds to feed themselves...so enjoy the show...many on here have watched what you are seeing....I have not personally had the pleasure of the first broods feeding the later ones after 8 years, but I hope to some day!!!! I am sure that there was a timeframe when you did not see that first brood for awhile....

Unless you have an endless supply of mealies that is....if you do, send me the connection!!!LOL!!!

Diane
bbcathy
17 years ago
All of the behavior you describe is normal. Siblings from the first brood helping to raise the next is not common but it is not unusual either. You should not feed mealworms too much though as they are calcium depleting. Three times a day maybe. We only feed birds for our own enjoyment. They don't really need the help most of the time.
Good Luck
Cathy
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