Incubation Question

[WildBlueYonder]

When a female bluebird starts incubating the eggs, how long is she on the nest each day? Is it constantly – including overnight?

Just wondering if there are behaviors or patterns I might see that would indicate that incubation is going on.

• This topic was modified 7 years, 11 months ago by WildBlueYonder.

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

She sits most of the time, taking a few outings per day, but she will sit on the nest all night. A lot depends on the weather, so during cooler days she will say on the nest longer. But she does take time out a few times per day. Incubation period is approximately 14 days. Papa blue will also feed her some times when she is incubating.

[WildBlueYonder]

Thank you for the reply. Two days ago I thought she was going to only have 3 eggs. As of today she is at 5. She has been spending a lot more time in the box. Dad usually watches from the nearby trees.

I am very sure she spent the night in the box last night.

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

She is incubating probably if she was on the nest all night. Congrats – hope hatching goes smooth.

[David in Stafford,VA]

Normal time for incubation is 14 days from the date of the last egg. You are looking at a hatch around May 1. Could be Apr 30 but the May date is pretty good. Good luck.

David
Stafford, VA

[tamsea]

Or 12. Mine hatch on day 12 or 13 depending on if I count from the day the last egg is laid or the next day. Officially it’s 12 – 14 days and there are some situations where it’s even been longer. Sometimes they postpone incubating a few days if the weather is too cold.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 11 months ago by tamsea.

Tammy

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