|
|
Post by marioc on May 22, 2023 18:55:53 GMT
Hi all, I have a strange thing to report ... I have a Blue Tit nestbox, containing 10 eggs. Mom seems to be quite diligent in protecting and incubating them, but to date no hatchlings !! It does seem awfully late compared to previous seasons. Not sure if she is just an inexperienced or first time mom, or if the clutches are being purposely delayed this year, to allow the insects to catch up !! Is anyone else seeing similar behaviour?? If it continues like this for much longer, I fear she may give up ..  |
|
|
|
Post by suep on May 22, 2023 19:18:31 GMT
Hi Marioc, you haven’t actually said how long she has been incubating the eggs.?? It should be about two weeks. Has it been longer than this? The fact that the nest is later than usual is not a problem as long as there is still food out there for the chicks when they hatch.
If you look on the thread Malcolm and Elizabeth’s nest boxes - the female there has only been incubating for about 4 days so far so, yes, some nests are later this year.
Sue
|
|
|
|
Post by WildlifePaul on May 22, 2023 21:39:23 GMT
This happened in one of my boxes a couple of years ago, None of the 9 eggs hatched.
Female sat on them for 5 weeks before giving up.
If shes been sitting over 2 weeks its likely they wont hatch, Hatching normally starts 12 days into incubation.
|
|
|
|
Post by marioc on May 26, 2023 19:05:22 GMT
Hi Marioc, you haven’t actually said how long she has been incubating the eggs.?? It should be about two weeks. Has it been longer than this? The fact that the nest is later than usual is not a problem as long as there is still food out there for the chicks when they hatch. If you look on the thread Malcolm and Elizabeth’s nest boxes - the female there has only been incubating for about 4 days so far so, yes, some nests are later this year. Sue Hi Sue, Yes, I am fearing the worst ... The clutch of 10 eggs was completed on 24/04/23 (as can be seen below), and she has been sitting on the eggs (off and on!!) ever since, and is still there today !!    |
|
|
|
Post by marioc on May 26, 2023 19:10:15 GMT
This happened in one of my boxes a couple of years ago, None of the 9 eggs hatched. Female sat on them for 5 weeks before giving up. If shes been sitting over 2 weeks its likely they wont hatch, Hatching normally starts 12 days into incubation. Hi Paul, yes, this is what I have seen in the past, which is why I queried this year's attempt. I do get the feeling that she is a first time mum, and hasn't quite got the hang of it !! She also spends quite a lot of time off the eggs! I don't think it'll be long before she gives up .. but we can but hope .. |
|
|
|
Post by sammi on May 27, 2023 6:23:43 GMT
Hi Marioc. Such a sad outcome. I hope next season is more successful for them.
|
|
