Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Susan, I have been using wren guards for about 12 years. Mine are cardboard with sides and attached with a row of thumbtacks. They need 3″ from guard to hole; 3.5 is even better. You can make a really sturdy one with a shoe box if you have one the right size. I apply them as soon as I can after first egg and watch for a bit to be sure the female will accept it. The earlier in the day you get it on the box the better because it gives her more time before she has to lay the next egg.
If you have access to a laminator, cardboard from a cracker or cereal box works fine. Lacking a shoe box or a laminator, you can give the guard a latex paint job. Anything you can to do make it more durable is a good idea. People have even covered them with packing or duct tape.
Wrens can be vicious and can easily remove a 5 day old chick. If they struggle to remove them and can’t, the chick can be fatally injured. I leave mine on until day 10.
Gin
Atlanta, GAOh Randy. I am so sad for you. You’re human and that’s it. We just do the best we can.
Let’s not give up hope. Maybe she had to recover a little and she’ll be back.
Gin
Atlanta, GARaccoons! They are literally everywhere. Everywhere. People who don’t think they have them are…wrong. Just ask the raccoons. One more thing about them. Some people think raccoons can’t jump. They can.
Gin
Atlanta, GAOne of the biggest rewards in this is to see the juvies help feed the younger sibs. Some people never get to see that and others seem to see it every year. We’ll have to wait and see what these adults allow but I agree with you. It’s not looking at all likely this time.
Gin
Atlanta, GABrad, the others could be out there but there is no way to tell for sure without seeing them. Maybe this guy is just too stubborn to leave the ‘rents.
Keep asking questions. I like job security even if I don’t have all of the answers.
Gin
Atlanta, GADene, 2-3 cycles in a season are the norm for most pairs. Some start sooner, some later. It all depends on the location, food supply, availability of a partner, etc.
Gin
Atlanta, GAKnow what, Dana? It’s unusual but I wouldn’t say abnormal. Each pair has an individual timetable.
Gin
Atlanta, GAShe even hates the fine bourbon?
Ah but does she cook your food and wash your socks? I bet she does.
Gin
Atlanta, GAThese fledglings are well able to feed themselves and the adults are just protecting their favorite food source. If these juvies are around a couple of weeks after this current clutch fledges, I think they will be allowed access to the worms.
Gin
Atlanta, GAThank you so much for checking in! We all like to know what happens in cases like this.
Gin
Atlanta, GA
