Abandoned Bluebird Eggs (1 Viewer)

[orion619]

Hi all, I have 2 bluebird houses in our yard. One has 4 eggs, one 5. Unfortunately the momma of one died at the hands of a cat. That was 3 nights ago. The last egg was laid about 11 days ago. My question is, can I transfer the 5 abandoned eggs to the other nest to be hatched. Will the other momma "adopt" the new 5 eggs.

thanks

 

[Andy Adcock]

Hi all, I have 2 bluebird houses in our yard. One has 4 eggs, one 5. Unfortunately the momma of one died at the hands of a cat. That was 3 nights ago. The last egg was laid about 11 days ago. My question is, can I transfer the 5 abandoned eggs to the other nest to be hatched. Will the other momma "adopt" the new 5 eggs.

thanks

A very good question to which I don't know the answer, I suspect not though. The problem is that if you try it, you risk the surviving parent abandoning the whole lot so you'd lose both sets.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

I would imagine that three nights with no incubation would mean the eggs are no longer viable.

 

[orion619]

Welcome to Birdforum.

I would imagine that three nights with no incubation would mean the eggs are no longer viable.

Thanks for getting back. Believe it or not, 2 of the eggs hatched without any incubation. Still no activity at the nest (I have a trail cam aimed at the nest) Hopefully, the male will return to feed the young but I doubt it. Very sad.

 

[Kits]

Thanks for the update. Sad, indeed.

 

[Trinovid]

...2 of the eggs hatched without any incubation. Hopefully, the male will return to feed the young but I doubt it.

Weather must have been warm enough then.
Does anyone here know how to feed them?

 

[Lisa W]

Do you have a wildlife rehabilitator in your area? I would contact them on the best way forward.

 

[orion619]

Do you have a wildlife rehabilitator in your area? I would contact them on the best way forward.

Not really.....most are small mammal rehabs in my area. The only bird rehabber close works with eagles, condors etc.

 

[anonymousbirder]

Not really.....most are small mammal rehabs in my area. The only bird rehabber close works with eagles, condors etc.

It might be worth giving them a call. They could know how you should proceed or be able to point you in the right direction. And if they may make an exception if they have the knowlege of how to care for bluebirds.

 

[orion619]

It might be worth giving them a call. They could know how you should proceed or be able to point you in the right direction. And if they may make an exception if they have the knowlege of how to care for bluebirds.

Yeah, I called them, they really had no useful information.

 

[Andy Adcock]

They're insectivors, if you have the patience and longevity, you can buy mealworms and hand feed them.