Donna, all I know to do is to find a licensed song bird rehabber and that is much easier said than done. Even in a city the size of Atlanta, I don't know of a single one. My former rehabber (she quit after about 15 years) was kind enough to take a bb baby who had fledged and immediately been attacked (we think by a cat) but that was because I begged (and begged) and drove an hour and a half to her new location.

Babies that age are definitely easier to feed (by humans) but then they gotta learn how to be a bluebird out of the box when it's time to fledge. I sure do hope momma shows up. I had a female, my first, who died with two 10 day old babies in the box. Daddy blue took great care of them. He found a new female within days but he also continued to feed the two in the box and took them to fledging and continued to teach them for a few weeks. Your male SHOULD know to take over if the female is gone.

Best of luck, I sure do hope she reappears.....

Donna, I could get in a lot of trouble saying this but if you are SURE they are not getting fed and they will be goners. 1. call a rehabber, any rehabber, anywhere, get help from a phone call. 2. get wax worms and feed those babies yourself. Try to feed them while they are still in the nest in the box. Skeuwer the worm on a hot dog stick or something you can poke in the box. If they dont eat...well I have been known to bring the whole nest inside and hand feed babies with tweesers, then replace the nest babies and all. You MUST be sure this is a last resort. You have been here over a year and you have been great about learning and helping. Just remember I have been here 7 years and I still panic. OBSERVE as closly as you can. Be SURE they are not getting fed before you act. I watched 3 baby TRES die last year because I did not act on what I thought the 1 remaining parent had under controll (Im sure you remember). I know it was Natures way but it still haunts me to this day that I did nothing. I didn't know they were starving before my eyes, I didn't think the parent would let that happen. Yup prolly against the law, oh well the bird police have only come to my door once and thats when I called them to come put a turkey down that had avian pox. by the time they got here (6 days after I called) the turkey had already suffered a sad death. If you are SURE it's do or die, I say do.

Any news? Im praying for them.

Lisa and Janie May..I did read your responses and appreciate your input.

I have come down with some sort of crud, congestion, coughing and a little fever and was worried sick that I wouldn't be physically able to help these little ones.

Here's what I have observed today and hope this is a good sign. Daddy Blue has made 2 appearances and he did remove some poop. Mama finally appeared, perched on top with a huge insect, but then flew off into the trees without going into the box. I still sense that something is not quite right. Should I go ahead and check the box? I don't see them feeding the babies and there are plenty of food sources available...don't have live meal worms, but I have placed lots of dried ones near the box and with our afternoon rains, insects should be plentiful.

I will not check the box until I hear from you. Many thanks again.

Donna

I would go check the box. Is there something in there like Wasps? Glad to hear Mom is back sounds like there's hope. Let us know what you find.

Checked the box and counted at least three babies who are alive, but don't know their health status. I used a flashlight and saw no signs of wasps, ants, etc.

Daddy came to the box again but just peaked in, then Mama appeared and once again, perched on top of the box with a bug in her mouth and flew off. I don't think these babies are being fed as they should and can't understand why these parents are not attentive. It still seems to me that something just isn't right. Could there be something in the box that I've not detected?

Shouldn't the parents be feeding them every 15 to 30 minutes at least? Thanks.

Donna

Donna, are you SURE they are not being fed? Gosh Are you certian they are only 10 days old? Are you sure the parents are not trying to get them to fledge? I really want to help but I dont have enough information! I again suggest you call a rehabber, anyone that will answer the phone. Send your hubby to a bait shop, it's kinda a Manly thing, he does not have to tell anybody why he wants 600 wax worms! LOL. I hope you feel better soon. Let us know whats happening!

Lisa, truth is, I am not sure about anything! I did see Mama about 30 minutes ago, feed them so yes, they are being fed, but apparently not very often. The eggs hatched when I was out of town, but have no idea of the date...I will say that they have very distinct markings on their wings (the spots). It's certainly possible they are close to fledging, but I have yet to see any little faces poking out and would think that would be a definite sign that fledging was near.

Sorry to say this is about all I know and it's not much help. I want to check the box again, but fear they might be 13 days or older. This particular nestbox has a front opening and I could use a flashlight without opening the door, which might give me a better idea as to their age...but may not be the wise thing to do if they are in fact, over 13 days old.

Just that minute took a break and saw Daddy at the box with a huge green bug, so assuming this is a good sign!

Donna

Sound like all is well. Like I said I've been at this a while and I still panic over every little thing. My last batch were quiet little birds and were not very active until right up to fledge day. We had a few very cold rainy days when they were about a week old, I was only able to open and peek on day 13. I really had to fight the urge to check in on them after that. I sat and listened when the parents came with food. I heard peeping so I knew they were alive. They came out as good little flyers after all that worrying. LOL

Donna, SO HAPPY to hear that she's there. Take a deep breath and relax. I can't wait till AUGUST! :D