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second batch needs help

17 years ago

My bluebird pair successfully raised this year's first batch of babies, then quickly laid another clutch of eggs.

But I have seen no activity near the box for over a week now. I'm concerned the nest has been abanoned.

My theories:

1. The box is too hot. It is in full sun, and we are in the high 90's now in central NC. (My entire back yard is full sun, nowhere shady to move the box).

2. Something happened to mom....don't want to entertain that idea!

This is a common occurrence... the first hatching goes well, the second of the season either gets abandoned or only one baby lives. It's almost like the parents "lose interest" in the second batch.

Any thoughts? Is there something I can do to help raise the success rate of the second brood?

Maybe mom and dad blue get worn out from the first batch of kids and head to Disney for a vacation :)

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Comments (4)

anita55
17 years ago
Is there any way to look into the nestbox near night to see if the mother is sitting on the eggs? She probably doesn't need to do a whole lot of incubating during the day with the weather so hot, but they usually stay in the box at night even if they don't sit on the eggs. I have seen the mother sitting on the edge of the nest inside the box, just keeping watch. If you have a safe way of looking I would try that to see if you may be just missing her during the day. Or if you get up really early in the morning before it's light outside you might see her then. Another thought would be to provide some kind of shade over the box if you think that might be a problem. Maybe someone else will have more answers for you. Good luck, I hope you will have more babies soon.
michelle_4466
17 years ago
If the mother started incubating, you will not see any activity.Try placing some meal worms in your backyard in a small white bowl(not too close to the nestbox).Watch closely to see if they appear.Feel the eggs.Are they warm?Open the box and look up it's roof.Are there signs of wasps or hornets?That will usually drive them away.
michelle
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renee_2006
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Please go to this website in regards on how to make heat shielding for a nestbox. Scroll down to read how to make either a second roof or using screening to shade a box.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nestbox Heat Shields
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Hi Any news here??? You can try wedging a piece of grass in the hole to see if she is coming and going. It is very easy to miss them. This way you'll know if the nest is active. When it's hot they don't need to incubate much.
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