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disturbed bluebird nest

hillbillysynthesis

16 years ago

Hello,

i discovered a rat snake in my bluebird box. i saved two hatchlings and have I believe remedied any future access for the snake to the nest... I did witness a couple of visits today from the parents, but they still seem very very skittish and don't seem to hang around like they did before. Anyone care to offer any advice I would love to hear it, these young bird have less than a week left in the nest would be my best guess. it did seem to me that the father was trying to get them to leave the nest today, but there's no way they can fly yet... any words of reassurance would be appreciated.

thanks,

-m

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Comments (3)

lisa11310
16 years ago
Hello M. We don't have much of a snake problem here in the woods of West Michigan, those that we do have get plenty of critters on the ground. I can only tell you that the parents visiting is a good sign. Do you have meal or waxworms out for them? There is a lot of growing to be done in a week and every day increases their chances. Go to www.sialis.org. There is a spot there that shows pictures "from egg to fledgling" It will help you determine the age a little better. It is common for the parents to try to save the babies by calling them out of a dangerous situation, at least they have a chance protecting them on the ground where as they would surley be doomed by the snake. My understanding is they will save themselves first knowing they can have a next nesting. Are they feeding these babies when they visit? If they are feeding them you could be ok. I suggest getting in touch with a rehabber now, you may need to call several. Put sombody on allert that you may need assistance with these babies. At the bottom of the sialis website is Bet's (website author) contact info...she is very helpful. I would also locate a good source for wax worms (bait shops) if you dont have some on hand already. Come back tomorrow and let us know what is going on. Good Luck and Baby prayers!
hillbillysynthesis
Original Author
16 years ago
Hello Lisa,
thank you for your post. I learned a great deal at the sialis.org site, thank you for that great resource.

Yeah, these two chicks are really close to leaving the nest. I carefully looked in on them a few minutes ago with a flashlight. I'll post more as I know it.

I removed the snake from the box, went to the store to find something to solve the snake access problem. Came back about thirty minutes later as it was getting dark and removed the snake from the box again! I felt very bad for allowing that to happen. I have now (I believe) remedied that snake access problem, but I fear that the black tape I used in part of the new fix is not helping the parent birds feel safe again. And or they are just getting ready for the babies to leave the nest... Wow, this has all suddenly grown into a very stressful time. Thanks for your help.
-m
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lisa11310
16 years ago
M, I know you are trying your best to save these babies but looking in on them can cause a "fear fledge" You do not want that to hapen especially at night when the parents may not be able to find them.(however it is better than being eaten in the box)! You can tell if the babies are ok if you watch the parents and listen for peeping. Right now you need to be sure they are getting fed, and of course that your box is now snake proof. The web site has instructions on how to properly mount a box and shows how to protect it from snakes, racoons, cats, other birds etc. There is a LOT of information there and will take you a while to get through it. Do the best you can to get these babies to fledging then make any adjustments to your set up for the next round.
Good Luck and keep us posted.

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