Susan, if you can help mama get through fledging, you are half way there. They do not eat on their own for 10 days to 2 weeks, meaning she has to take them out & teach them how to find bugs, watch for predators, etc. You really should continue to help her out by feeding worms for some time, maybe a month or so. Then if you want to stop, that is your call but by then they should be able to find food on their own. I would try to keep feeding worms until fall at least but that is your decision to make. It is really fun to watch parent(s) bring them back to the feeder after fledging (usually 10 days to 2 weeks) and watch them as they learn to eat out of the feeder. If you wanted to try this you need to order worms in bulk on line. I usually buy 10,000 at a time but have bought 5,000 worms for around $31 including shipping. Just keep eye on the HOSP – the spooker should do the trick but nothing is foolproof. Come on fledge day!
