Cathy, I agree. Incubating eggs and then being able to feed new born chicks would be tricky to say the least. You stand the change of causing aspiration, crop burn, etc. I do have pet lovebirds and there have been times that members on my lovebird forum have had to foster eggs to an incubator WITH success but you're talking about a bird that can be hand fed from the beginning and you are also talking about round the clock feeding, at least with lovebirds. Again, my local licensed songbird rehabber told me that bluebirds, specifically, must have their "gut" inoculated in the first 24 hour of life and they haven't found a "human" formula that can replace what a mother bluebird can give their hatchlings. A nesting pair on the same or a close schedule would be the best answer in the future if that is a possibility.

Caye61542, so so sorry that you lost your baby blues from those nasty HOSP's. Never never let them nest in your bird houses. Always put up a sparrow spooker after 1st egg has been laid by bluebirds or any others that may nest with you. If you're not familiar with spooker, there is plenty of info online. Most people make theirs, but I bought mine. Make sure you remove it after babies fledge, so HOSP's don't get accustomed to it. They are really effective, but not always. The other thing that's critical when you have a HOSP problem is to get a Van Ert Trap installed inside your bluebird house (can order online & very easy to install). You can only use this when no birds are nesting. It can be removed during this time. What happens is when the HOSP enters, it sets the trap off & covers up the hole. Then, you have to get a big bag (I have large laundry bag with drawstring so I can see the bird & make sure it was a HOSP that I caught) & put all the way around house & open door for HOSP to escape. They will come out quickly, so make sure they don't escape. It's key to monitor hourly when you use this trap because you could trap bluebirds or other native birds as well & don't want them to die in box. You will then need to dispose of HOSP & try to trap the mate as well. I know some people don't want to dispose of them, but how else are you going to keep them from killing your bluebirds? There are humane ways to do it. The Sialis site outlines the entire process for you & gives other tips on how to control HOSP's. It's a personal choice, but definitely invest in a sparrow spooker. People that have serious HOSP problems trap multiples in a repeating trap that they use a decoy & millet to get them trapped. I'd be getting rid of that nasty HOSP that killed your babies! Best of luck! Nicole

The one must have already fledged - like I said there were only the two dead ones in the box.... your thinking pesticides? I'd be surprised as I'm on 5 acres and the blues primarily hunted in our yard - which is absolutely pesticide free.... our neighbors to one side of us have no yard so no need for pesticides. Now our neighbors to the other side - which is through the woods, may have applied some, and then they are next to a farm - which also may have some applied. Anyway - it just seems weird - so close to them being ready to fledge. Any idea if they will do a third nest? Or are they done for the season here in MI?

Hi Anita- so so sad! I truly hate to hear that news! The males are such beauties! The only thing I can think is pesticides. Maybe the males were hunting in a yard/ area where pesticides had been used & the babies were being fed from that same hunting area? If it didn't look like any foul play took place, that's the only thing I can imagine. Some babies are affected by heat this time of year, but it's usually when they're younger. You know what? There are lots of bluebird experts on bluebirdnutcafe.com. You may want to inquire there to see if anyone else has any ideas. So glad the TRES nest was successful! So very sorry to hear about your bluebirds! Nicole