I have been reading posts about baby bluetits dying. In my nest box there were 10 eggs. 8 hatched about 6 days ago but there are only two survivors today. The mother seems to be on her own, and spends a lot of time sitting on the chicks. The chicks are constantly looking for food , but not getting it. I live in Lancashire. Is this a country wide problem this year? It has been cold and wet here since the eggs were laid.
Hi bernieb,same problem down here in portsmouth im afraid,we had 9 eggs 7 hatched,3 died quite quickly although 4 seemed to be doing really well until 2 days ago when sadly they all died one by one.Both parents were feeding all day long,so i can only presume it was the cold weather.Anyone out there know whether i should clean out the nest now or leave it in case its used again this year.Although i need to remove the dead ones still in there.
Hi mart i should clean the box out with there being dead chicks inside.
Hi Bernie sadly this is happening all over the country.
Regards Alan
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thanks,do blue tits have a second brood?
I'm not sure pal but i wonder if they may have another go if the weather picks up and it is still early enough for them to try again.
Same problem here in Stubbington near Portsmouth. We had 8 eggs 6 hatched by last tues but we are now down to 3.Weather has now got warmer and forcast is same for a few days so hoping this will give them a boost. Mother has been on her own all the time and has been very attentive.