Lost all eggs. What to do with nest?

[Deb]

Thanks for all the advice! We got a new nest with one egg in it this morning! Is now a good time to put up the HOSP spooker and wren guard? Or should I wait for a second egg?

[The Original Bluebird Nut]

Deb, I’d do it now! Once they have an egg is the nest they are committed to the nesting and are less apt to be frightened away. I wouldn’t add both at once – add the one you suspect you need the most first, and watch to be sure they’ve accepted it. You’ll be able to tell if there’s a 2nd egg tomorrow. Once they’ve accepted that, then introduce the other. Again, watch to be sure egg-laying continues.

Central NY
TMB Studios

[BZ–W Ctrl MO]

Deb, I also feel certain that you had a HOWR attack. The same thing happened to me on the first five eggs in 2014. I was new to blue-birding, and needless to say I was devastated. The experienced folks here on the forum told me about the wren guards, so I promptly built one and got it up for the second nesting (I removed the original nest and saved it in a paper bag). Mine is made from cedar like the boxes, and obscures the hole from the front and the sides. It is attached to the roof with a small hinge and easily flips up out of the way for box checks. I have used these on three successful hatches, and the birds usually accept them within 15 or 20 minutes.
Good luck on a second nesting.

BZ

[The Original Bluebird Nut]

BZ, can you post some pictures of your Wren Guard? I’d love to add as many different designs as possible to our sticky topic!

Central NY
TMB Studios

[Deb]

We put up a piece of birch cut to the width of the house extending just below the entrance hole with 2″ clearance at the bottom and a bit more at the top but the female just hovered around the house. The male was swooping at my husband while he put it up. On a positive note we have 2 eggs this morning. If we don’t get a third tomorrow should we remove the guard? Also, should we plug the other house where the first brood was destroyed or give the wren something to keep busy with (he and the male HOSP were dueling over it yesterday). We’re having a debate about both in the human house. I sometimes long for the days years back when there was an ornamental house in the front and we just stumbled into becoming bluebirders

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Deb, that clearance on the wren guard MUST be at least 2 1/2″, and I have learned (from here) that 3″ is better. Probably need more clearance at bottom than at the top if yours is not exactly level. My current nestbox (Gilwood style) has a wren guard with almost 3″ clearance from hole & she is able to swoop right under with no trouble at all. I’m sure this would be why yours is not going in. You need to put some sort of spacer between the box top and the guard to make it extend out more – just unscrew the guard & put in any sort of 1″ spacer & then screw it back in . Apparently your roof is not long enough – I have done this spacer thing several times with success. I, too, use a thin piece of wood (cedar) which extends just below the hole but it must have a minimum clearance of 2 1/2″ and better with 3″. You need to do this as quickly as possible so she will be able to lay the rest of her eggs! Good luck.

[BZ–W Ctrl MO]

Cher, I will get some pictures taken, but I will probably need instructions on how to post them.

BZ

[Love my blues!]

Appreciate saying that keeping a used nest is a judgement call. I’ve never seen one that I would keep until that one last year (very unique situation). Have gathered up dry grass to lay on top of it if ever need to do a nest change. Wish you all the best of luck that have HOWR problems!

Nicole

[Author]

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