- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 9 months, 3 weeks ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Hello to all. I have a camera nest box and have had three broods this year. The bluebird mom then laid four eggs NOW GOING ON 32 DAYS AGO! and I am positive they are the same four eggs all this time. She continues to sit on them and gently rolls them around on occasion as she has done before. I know the eggs will not hatch at this point, but I have not interfered. So here is my question: What to do? I know she is getting plenty of food and water and does not seem to be stressed. In fact with the heavy rains of a few days ago, I was glad she was dry inside the nest box. She spends about half the day in the box, coming out sporadically for food and fresh air, and sometimes, but not always, sleeps in the box the entire night. I am afraid if I remove the eggs, she may start a new brood at this late date, and August can be brutally hot where I live. I was thinking of letting things alone until the end of August and then removing the eggs if she is still sitting on them, but is that advisable? I would welcome opinions and insight on this topic, and if this has ever happened to anyone else. Thank you.
JackieI can’t remember, do you have a camera in the box so you know for sure what’s happening. You’ve seen her rotating the eggs.
If you don’t have a camera do you check a couple of times a week? I’m asking that because of it were me (without a camera) I would be afraid that perhaps a new female laid eggs and I missed it somehow.
That’s very unusual for them to incubate 22 days past the normal time. They usually abandon the nest. As you know.
I agree with your evaluation. The idea of her starting a new nest now are probably slim anyway. But if there’s not even a sliver of a doubt that these are old eggs you can remove them. How about candling them? I’ve never done it but I’ve heard it’s easy.Tammy
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.