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Another Nest Already?

18 years ago

Hi All,

Haven't started reading yet but am eager to see how all the fledging is going.

If you saw my post last week, the 2nd brood of 4 females left on Tuesday. My husband came in today and said he thought "Brad and Angie" (my bb couple) are feeling romantic again. He saw them going in the nestbox for periods of time. A while later my daughter was out back and checked the box - they've already started another nest. It hasn't even been a week since the last ones left! Is this normal? Or could it mean that something happened to the girls? I haven't seen them, but then I never saw the first brood either that I'm positive about. The nest is less than 2 inches high right now. We just had a heavy rain so I thought I might check it tomorrow, and perhaps tear it down if it's wet. BUT, I would never do anything like that without asking first. So I'm anxious for your comments and advice.

On to reading.

tara

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Comments (4)

lisa11310
18 years ago
Hey Tara, no dont tear down the nest....it will dry before a wet nest will cause any harm. You may run Mom off if you do. It is not uncommon for them to start a new nest right away...that does NOT mean they are not also taking care of the babies. I find it is easier to *LISTEN* for the babies than to *SEE* them. They are not far, try to train your ear for them and you will realize they are much closer than you think.
mulchmamma
18 years ago
Leave the nest alone. It sounds like you may be lucky to get brood #3. The blues are feeling the pressure and just doing a little preplanning. The nest could remain untouched for weeks before they resume building and you get a third clutch-about the best you can get from a happy productive pair.

Linda
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kenn3d
18 years ago
Tara,

Our pair began courting during the week before the 2nd-nesters fledged. I cleaned and remounted the box about 2 hours after that fledging (of 5), and Missy and Mr.B were all over that clean box inside and out before sundown.

She began building the 3rd nest within a few days, and will most likely lay her 5th egg and/or begin incubation today.

Congratulations to us both I think :)

Kenn
fairychick
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your responses.

Sure enough our pair has begun their third clutch. Today is egg number 3. I don't think I would have made it this far without the help from here. Thank you all so much. I'll keep you posted on this group. Especially with the heat and increase in thunderstorms (I'm in the Atlanta area).

Also - mealies or waxies? Is one better than the other?

tara

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