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Love the winter pic, Carol! Still can’t get my bluebirds to use cage feeder. Tried everything I know with some of your recommendations. My pair have had 11 fledge this year & are in the beginnings of 3rd brood. Just not sure what to expect on any nesting, but particularly this one with the heat.
Nicole
Good luck with yours, Carol! Second egg here today. Going to be 100 several days in a row next week. Hope they can survive it. Ugh!
Nicole
Any nest can get blow fly larvae from what I understand. I’ve heard that if you have the hardware cloth platform on the bottom, you’re not as likely to get them. Sialis site tells all about blowfly larvae, too. Since Rich has experienced it, hopefully he can be our educator of what to look for.
Nicole
Hey Susan=
Some people do shade with umbrellas- they usually try to attach to top of pole so that it’s not another climbing mechanism for predators. Would definitely get that pole with wobbly baffle for next season & place at least 15 feet from any structure (fence, tree, house, etc.). Everyone has raccoons (nocturnal) & neighborhood cats.
So excited she’s feeding the worms!!!
Nicole
Actually, Susan, since the babies have already hatched, it may not be as practical to put the heat shield up. The first ~ 6 days is when they can’t regulate their own body temperature, so hopefully they’ll be ok past that. Maybe something to think of for the future? Has anyone else put a heat shield up after babies have hatched?
Nicole
Thank you, Carol! First egg today & tons of juvie HOSP around. Put a gigantic heat shield up with spooker today. Nervous about this one…
By well-insulated box, I’m using the terms that Wild Birds Unlimited uses, which is where I got it. It’s a particular type of wood with thicker walls, nice-sized vents, & opening on each side. WBU guy didn’t think I should worry about the shield, but wanted to do what I could. These birds are wearing me out!!
Nicole
Glad to know all seems ok, Rich. Great job on the HOSP! By the time I cock the BB gun, mine have flown off. Ugh!
Nicole
Hi Susan- just posted to you on other site wondering if your mealworms were too small? The local 50 count are usually the really small ones & mine have never been interested in them. Have you seen dried mealworms at the pet store (in bird or reptile section)? That’s about the size you want (3/4 inch to 1 inch).
Also, it’s ok to peak up until day 13. After this, checking could cause premature fledging. That way, you can check to make sure the babies are ok. Mama may scold you, but it’s ok. I actually wear my bike helmet when I open the box (LOL) because my parents dive bomb me.
Lastly, I’m in AL with similar temps & have 1st egg after 2 successful fledgings. I’m concerned about the heat, so I put a heat shield on my box (lots of people do this time of year). It looks silly, but I’m hoping it will help eggs/chicks survive. Most people use styrofoam with thumbtack spacers between box & styrofoam with a bungee cord to hold it on. Not trying to make your job harder, but could help especially if your box is in the sun. Sialis site tells more about how to make heat shields & you can google different images to get a better idea. Make sure she accepts it just like you did with the spooker.
Again, so sorry about the Daddy. Such a shame!
Nicole
Rich-
I sure hope they make it! I’ve not experienced blow fly larvae, but the author of the Sialis site did a nest change on day 12.
Nicole
Hi Susan-
I saw you post on another site. Such a bummer about the Dad! They are such beauties! I think Carol covered any ideas I may have had. So glad the spooker’s working out & that you’re going to get mealworms to help the Mama. Bless her heart! She’s not the first, unfortunately…
Nicole
Rich- that’s great that they’re letting Jr. Help feed. My pair won’t allow that to happen. I’m envious! So cool!
Nicole
After she’s through nesting & training her fledgelings, have you considered calling a bird rehabber to see if they can help her (that is, unless she recovers)? Would definitely try to get live mealworms just for nesting period if you can? Hope it all works out!
Oops, realizing I’m a little late in my response. How is Mama’s leg doing?
Nicole
