skip to main content

4 eggs but can only see 2 mouths

14 years ago

For those that don't recognize my name, this is my first year at BB-rearing assistance. Mama laid the last of four eggs (of her second brood in this box) 14 days ago. Yesterday I saw hatchlings. Today I took a pic of the interior of the nest b/c the cup is so deep I can't look down in there well - even w/ a dental mirror. There are only two upturned beaks.

We've had a couple of weeks of near or over 100 degrees just like the most of the rest of the country. I didn't think there was anything I could really do to help them w/ the heat, so I've just kept my fingers crossed. Now I'm reading other posts and wondering if the other two eggs are OK, and whether I could have done something. (Her first brood had one egg that never hatched.)

I have two birdbaths in my backyard (the nest box is in the front) but don't know of anywhere around here I can get mealworms. Does anyone have advice about anything at all I should do? Try to determine whether the other two eggs are there? Take them out? Put another bird bath near the box? etc.

Thanx!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Lexarose
14 years ago
Hi Cyn, I never remove eggs so maybe I'm not a good example. But I have removed a dead baby from a clutch before. I have a clutch that I'm quite sure has an unhatched egg under the babies 'cause there were 4 eggs and only three babies. Maybe when you check again you'll see another mouth. I posted on another forum that I easily was able to double-sided tape large pieces of styrofoam to the tops of my boxes and I believe it's helped hugely. Having water available is great. My birds are finding tons of bugs so I don't buy mealworms. Hopefully today they are taking good care of the babies. Sometimes it's better that they have less babies to deal with like with this lousy heat.
cyn_s
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanx Lexarose. When I looked yesterday I thought I saw three beaks and maybe a fourth. It's VERY hard to see down in there. As they get older it will be easier; I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Related Discussions
4 off my list for 2 varitys of tomatoes only thanks
Q
Comments (3)
Yes, very tasty, I grew one year and dont have anymore seeds,.Never have seen the seeds around here, I got a plant from a organic gardener program I was in few years back. I would love and seeds. Thank you please check my list willing to give you choice on my seed list pick 4 paks. please thank you just click on my page to see my list. bon
...See More
i must need peppermint shoes ! ! ! 4 my big mouth !
Q
Comments (19)
Oh you little S W E E T I E S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! T hanks sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Very much !!!! I appreciate every thing that you have said to make me feel better.... Mostly... the fact that Mr Kirkus is a BIG MAN.... and willing to FORGIVE ME>>>>>> The Bible says that the Human Toungue is a williey..... Thing that can be used for much evil..... and is sometimes Uncontrollable... BUT.... I am working on keeping that thing under control ! ! ! that is a full time job for me.....!!!!! Thanks for your imput.... and thanks for liking the Peppermint Shoe IDEA ! ! ! Guess I shoulda got the patten for it.... tee hee ! ! ! Love Ya'll God Bless ! SusieSunshine
...See More
2nd time is the charm --3 of 4 eggs hatched!
Q
Comments (4)
Ok, that is good! I remember now. You can take it off after the blues are 7 days old but you can leave it up a bit longer if you would like. I would have it off by day 10 though. I have a wren guard on my Blues nest this year as they chose a box more in the wren territory (don't have a wren but they can show up at any time) and I wanted to be safe about it. I did it in steps...first just the front, then a short side, then a longer side...she accepted it no problem and laid six beautiful blue eggs... a first for me, never had six before, always 4 or 5. Glad that last egg hatched! Donna
...See More
Geez, how could 2 more mouths to feed be so...
Q
Comments (26)
Although it is a bit old, how's the budget going? ;) BTW, it sounds like you're near Lexington and there is an Aldi in Lexington. Could be worth looking into it when you're there. Or check to see if there's one closer to you. I really like Aldi for a lot of things and do WAYYYYYYYYYYY better there than with a warehouse club membership. You never know for sure what you'll find there an no doubt, not everything is a bargain, but on staples they have in stock, I'll save far more than when I had a Sam's membership. The way to shop Aldi is to check the website for their ads. Not all the stores get all the things on the ads but you can see some of the pricing. They only carry about 1400 SKUs and if it doesn't sell, they don't keep it around. Their business model is extremely low overhead and high turnover. It's cash or an acceptable debit card only and you put a quarter deposit on a grocery cart so have cash and a quarter (or more if you need more carts!) Another thing I've noticed is Target has gotten really competitive on a lot of things and downright cheap on others.
...See More
cyn_s
Original Author
14 years ago
Well, I figured out that I can take a pic much more quickly and easily than trying to look down into the nest. I read on Sialis not to use a flash (unfortunately *after* I'd already taken one). Anyway, I definitely have 4 - yay! - altho one is smaller than the others.

I didn't realize heat really is an issue until reading Sialis again last night. Fortunately my box is positioned so that it's protected from late afternoon sun; but it's still been unbearably hot. So I followed your suggestion Lexarose (thanx for the idea) and just put some styrofoam on top.

I haven't seen a bird go in since, but one sat on the spooker (which is on top of the styrofoam) for quite awhile. Should I watch the nest until I see one go in; or does this sound like they're OK?
cyn_s
Original Author
14 years ago
Also, Sialis says to use spacers b/t the top of the box and the styrofoam in order to allow airflow; is that necessary? I taped mine directly to the roof.
dzyg
14 years ago
Yes, you need an airspace between the styrofoam and the box or you are insulating the box and possibly making it warmer. You can just use the large push pins to create the space.

Donna
cyn_s
Original Author
14 years ago
Done. Thanx.

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

REMODELING GUIDES See What You Can Learn From a Floor Plan

Floor plans are invaluable in designing a home, but they can leave regular homeowners flummoxed. Here's help

DECORATING GUIDES See How Wabi-Sabi Can Bring Harmony and Beauty to Your Home

By Robyn Lawrence

Create your own wabi-style style with beautifully weathered, humble materials around the house

HOUSEPLANTS See How Fiddleleaf Fig Trees Can Liven Up Your Decor

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

The tropical houseplant with big green leaves adds a cheerful and striking design element to rooms

FARM YOUR YARD Collecting Rainwater and Eggs From a California Chicken Coop

By Becky Harris

See how a butterfly roof helps a hen home’s design soar into double-duty territory

EVENTS See 8 Stunning Abodes From 2 Modern Home Tours in Canada

By Stacy Briscoe

Can’t make it to British Columbia for 2 upcoming modern home tours? No sweat. Here’s a sneak peek

GARDENING GUIDES 4 Ways Gardens Can Go Beyond Aesthetic Beauty

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Our landscapes can play an even more meaningful role if we rethink their purpose

BATHROOM DESIGN See 2 DIY Bathroom Remodels for $15,500

By Mitchell Parker

A little Internet savvy allowed this couple to remodel 2 bathrooms in their Oregon bungalow

SMALL HOMES Microunits Are Coming to NYC. See the Winning Design

Say goodbye to only arm-and-a-leg Manhattan rents. This plan for small prefab units opens the door to more affordable housing

COLOR PALETTES Easter Egg Inspiration: 9 Great Ways to Use Pastels

By Becky Harris

Mint green, light aqua, pale pink, blossom yellow and soft lavender can bring spring beauty into your home

Sponsored