Sounds like something may have happened to the male. Feeding mealworms would NOT make him leave. The Mom can feed the babies on her own but will need help so don't stop feeding the mealworms. The babies should fledge around day 16-19 so if they are approx 10 days old, about another week+. She will also need extra help once they fledge though being the sole food provider for them. Another great thing you could feed them to help her out is crickets, not for the weak of heart though, you must pull the back legs off so they cannot jump out of the dish, Just grab the leg with a tweezers and it usually pops right off. I have also heard that putting them in the fridge for a bit slows them down but I have never tried that and I am not sure how quickly they become mobile again. Good luck, hopefully the male shows up but it could have been almost anything, a hawk, a cat, a car you just never know.

Here is a link to a great site about Bluebirds and how to properly/safely host them and other native cavity nesting birds.

Donna

Here is a link that might be useful: Sialis....Everything you need to know about bluebirds.

Hi Allen
I feel your pain big time, I am not missing my male but all five of my pairs baby's! This is only my suggestion and maybe someone else will chime in for other suggestions. I think feeding them 4-5 times a day is too much? I feed my guys early in the a.m and later on in the evening, allowing them to fend on there own. They do need to fend for themseleves in case worms are not available to them for what ever reason. Again this is only my suggestion, there are some really knowlegeable people here that will come to your rescue. IM so sorry about your guy I hope he will return. Keep us posted okay?

Gina

Thank YOU for the response, Donna!! I hope a hawk didn,t get him. I wonder if she will take another mate after the chicks fledge & return to the same box?? I will let you know if he returns> Thanks again! ALLAN

Hi Allen. It is NOT UNCOMMON to have pop take a few days off once the babies are past the first critical week to 10 days. They are pretty stable by then. Mine always takes some time off, I have been told they scout for an area they want to bring the babies to once they fledge. I would not change your feeding habits at this point in case he is gone but dont be supprised if he shows up refreshed and ready for the big task of getting them out of the box. He's at the birdy bar hanging out with the other Dads waiting for the little ladies to do their thing. LOL

Hey Allen, hopefully Lisa is right and he is taking some time off. I have had Dad go missing for four (very stressful) days once right as incubation started but never after the babies have hatched. I have only been doing this for four years though so there may be others that have seen what Lisa has too. If the original male is gone and a new male shows up he will not want her to be with the nestlings though, he will want her to start a new nest. So if you see a male and he is helping to feed the babies it would be your original male and not a new one.

There are many different views on feeding mealworms but even if you offer an unlimited supply (as some here do) the Blues know they need to offer other things to the nestlings/fledglings and will not rely soley upon the mealworms.

Good luck and I hope your male shows up!!

Donna