What Could Be The Problem...Please Help!

14 years ago

Something just doesn't seem right and I'm very worried. The nestlings are about 4 or 5 days old and Mom and Dad aren't feeding them very often. I began noticing this, I think on Sat. afternoon but I didn't check the box since I had company all weekend, and quite frankly, I feared what I might find and didn't want to upset my grandchildren nor myself.

Just did a very quick check and the babies seem fine and I could see at least 3 of them gaping as if they were hungry! Bugs are probably scarce since we've had NO rain in a long time and conditions are hot and dry...heat indexes around 105. I don't have live mealworms but have been putting out the dried ones. In the past, they've gobbled them up, but I have yet to see the parents show any interest in them now.

During the first nesting, the parents fed the babies constantly, every few minutes as a matter of fact, particularly the first week after hatching. I am really concerned about them and don't understand why the parents are not as attentive as they should be at this point. Even more upsetting is that I'm going out of town Wed-Sun and will not be able to check on things, so I'll be worried sick that they may not survive. I finally saw Daddy at the bird bath yesterday which was a first.

I even put out the sprinkler in the backyard for a long time hoping it would bring out some bugs.

What could be happening and are the little ones in jeopardy? Many thanks.

Donna

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Comments (10)

michelle_4466
14 years ago
Donna,
During exteme heat,they donot feed as often.Can you get some meal worms from a near by pet supply store? If so leave some in the feeder.Live worms might interst them.Keep your bird bath filled while you are gone and say "birdie prayers daily".There is nothing more you can do.They are probably alright.
michelle
anita55
14 years ago
Hey Donna, maybe it is just the heat. They are probably seeking food with more moisture than the dried worms. Can you get some live meal worms for them before you leave? Maybe check local pet stores that might have some in stock. Will someone be around to put out fresh worms for them daily? Maybe a really really nice neighbor or friend? I would give that a try. Gosh, we are having just the opposite, rain and more rain. Wishing you and your babies luck.
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donnalovesblue
Original Author
14 years ago
Petco is the only store around and they do have live worms, though poor in quality. I'll check it out today for sure since that's all I can do. Even though my mealworm feeder is covered, it's metal which I suspect in this heat, it'll serve as an oven! I'll get DH to help with this chore while I'm gone, but he "ain't" gonna like it! LOL...he has lots of "honey do's"...watering plants, the lawn, feeding the birds, taking care of the dog, filling the bird baths...the list goes on! He says he misses me when I'm gone, but I know why!!!!

Thanks ya'll...BTW, heat index today says 110..YIKES! So Anita, be a good girl and send us some rain as we are desperate! Off to the pet store...thanks for reminding me.
anita55
14 years ago
Maybe tell Hubby not to put too many out at once so they don't dry up in the heat before the birds can eat them. Even then they will probably have more moisture than the dried ones.
dzyg
14 years ago
((Donna)) I hope they are ok!! Wow, it is hot there isn't it and I thought our 80's with the humidty was bad. Hope you can find some decent mealworms and your hubby remembers to put them out. I usually put some out in the morning, some around noon and then some in the late afternoon, might work best that way for you too in the heat with a metal mealworm feeder. I hope you find healthy happy Blues babies when you return.

Donna
donnalovesblue
Original Author
14 years ago
Yes, Donna...we are breaking temp records for this time of year and it's been pretty miserable to say the least.

NO live worms at Petco and their truck comes in on Thursday but I won't be here! I will have to rely on Mother Nature, the dried worms and prayer while I'm gone. I did see Daddy fly to the box with a bug, so I'm feeling somewhat better. It will just destroy me if anything happens to the babies! Wish I wasn't leaving town, but I'll hope for the best.

Donna
jerseybob_gw
14 years ago
I don't know where you are located, but bait and tackle shops around here (NJ) sell mealworms for fishing. Not inexpensive, around $2.50 for 2 dozen. You might be able to get a break on price if you buy more volume.
Good Luck
lisa11310
14 years ago
Dona, call the bait shops in your area, somebody will have wax worms and the Blues just cant resist them, they are big,fat and JUCY!
allan_2009
14 years ago
Donna, I,ve had good luck with SOUTHEASTERNINSECTARIES- 1000 mealies for $8- $4.95 2 day delivery--toll free 1-877-967-6777 ALLAN, Annapolis, Md They are located in Georgia
donnalovesblue
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow...thanks! I'll get on the phone first thing in the morning in an attempt to locate some bait shops. Have no idea where they are but I'm in East central MS, so yep, that's a no brainer and we have lots of beautiful lakes around. Too, I'll order on-line so they'll be here when I return. Allan, that's a good price from SE. Last year, I paid alot more from Sunshine but I was pleased with the quality and service, then they ran out about this time. I remember alot of discussion on the forum about the shortage. Wish me luck, ya'll...and the baby blues!

Donna