great tit (1 Viewer)

Hello we are new to the group but have a nest box full of 9 great tit chicks, not sure how old maybe about 10 days. The male has not been seen since yesterday morning and the female is working hard to feed them, mainly live mealworms that we are putting out. Does anyone know how likely she is to succeed in raising them alone? Thanks for any replies

nature tends to large broods to allow for survival rates and disasters such as death of a parent and predation by magpies and woodpeckers feeding their own young. nine surviving would be unusual but not impossible. i would be pleased if one or two make it, harsh but reality.

you are doing what you can by providing shelter and food. the type of trees and habitat around will dictate whether they can get enough food, as would a couple of cold wet days. of course you would love to see them all survive but you can only do what you are doing, thats wonderful of you anyway.

add in some sunflower hearts and mixed seeds and keep cats away as best you can, many fledge - then in the first day on ground and bushes while they learn they get taken. good luck, dont be too heartbroken at losses, it is nature's way, and let us know how they go please.

Thanks for your reply, will add the sunflower hearts the female is still going non stop, amazing little bird. It is just the second time of us seeing great tits nest nothing last year but 5 fledged the year before. Keeping fingers crossed for her. Will update.

Some years ago I had a 'single parent' manage to raise a brood with live mealworms. It means they can save energy by not having to search far for food. Good luck, hope they make it!

Thanks Mary, we will try our best to help her. She was feeding them right up until 7.45pm tonight, just got some sunflower hearts and suet pellets to place in feeders as well so hopefully she will be able to raise some at least.