skip to main content

Chicks dead followup

14 years ago

Well, I opened the birdhouse today and confirmed that 5 chicks didn't make it. There were ants all over the chicks and this purple residue smeared on the inside walls of the birdhouse. Is that a sign of a struggle? It's almost like grapejuice stains. How should I clean the birdhouse, with 409, chlorox?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Lexarose
14 years ago
I think it would be blood if it was a struggle,not sure what the purple is. Are the parents going to the box or are they gone? How awful. You don't need anything that harsh or chemically to clean the inside of the box, just a bit of natural-based dishwashing liquid in a squirt bottle filled with water is all you need.(and paper towels) If you don't already you need sparrow spookers installed after first egg is laid, hosp are stealthy killers....
lisa11310
14 years ago
It is possible that the babies were infested and that's why they were abandon. You should grease the pole (under the baffle) also close the top of the pole I just put duct tape over it. Also lightly grease or better use bar soap on the inside roof of the box to protect against wasps. The sialis.org website has information on how to protect your birds from things we would never think about. The purple was probably from Mom eating berries. Good luck.
Related Discussions
Follow-up questions from a newbie....
Q
Comments (2)
The best deer repellent I have found is Liquid Fence. It smells horrible when wet, but once it dries it doesn't smell anymore. Do not spray in the sun or wind. Spray in the evening. The label of the product you are looking at should tell you how long it lasts. I usually alternate the Liquid Fence with a hot pepper wax spray. When deer are hungry, they will eat anything. Also, they tend to sample things in a newly-planted bed, so I always spray when I plant new things. I always use the native Texas hardwood mulch, so I am not familiar with the Scott's product.
...See More
Dead or dying chicks
Q
Comments (3)
All I can do is say I'm so sorry. I lost my entire first nest this year. One egg and then 2 babies missing, and my last two died with no sign of trauma. I know some people will say consult a wildlife rehabber but my closest one is five hours away. I totally understand the helpless feeling :(
...See More
Dead Eastern Phoebe Chicks. Any ideas why and how to help next time?
Q
Comments (4)
we just had the same thing happen. The nest is high-on a rafter under our porch roof. Parents have been feeding like crazy and they were getting big, but after a weekend out of town I looked up yesterday to see if they had fledged while we were gone and saw the tops of their heads so thought it would be a few more days. But today the heads hadn't moved and now there is no movement in the nest and the parents have disappeared. There seems to be no disturbance of the nest and it isn't near any kind of toxic exhaust. The nest, which was a holdover from prior years, was crawling with mites and I put some DE in and around it when the eggs were in it; I'm afraid I may have caused a chain reaction of some kind? I'm bewildered. Any thoughts?
...See More
Follow-up on damage to my lotus plant
Q
Comments (2)
Try to scrape the larvae off onto the dry land, it would be very effective. The original damage of the leaves could have been done by birds bathing, and the insects you see are probably eating rotting or dead organic material the the leaves and mud are providing. That's my educated guess anyway, don't lose any sleep over it, like tropicbreezent said they grow fast during the warm weather!!
...See More
timjc
Original Author
14 years ago
What would the babies be infested with? Thanks.

Related Stories

PETS What You Need to Know Before Buying Chicks

Ordering chicks for your backyard coop? Easy. But caring for them requires planning and foresight. Here's what to do

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Fun Dia de los Muertos Finds

By handsoccupied

Animate your home with the bright colors and bold patterns of these Day of the Dead accessories

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

PETS Houzz Call: Send in the Dogs

By Sheila Schmitz

Have the greatest dog in the world? Share your best design photo featuring the dog you live or work with

ACCESSORIES To Chop or Not to Chop?

By The Yellow Cape Cod

Karate-chopped pillows pop up in design photos all the time — to the delight of some, the dismay of others. Here's why

BATHROOM DESIGN A Designer Shares Her Master-Bathroom Wish List

By Jennifer Ott Design

She's planning her own renovation and daydreaming about what to include. What amenities are must-haves in your remodel or new build?

GARDENING FOR BIRDS What to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends

For the Boys: 5 Homes With Masculine Energy

By Becky Harris

Mensware, minimalism, and modern man-friendliness at home

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

Sponsored