Blue tit chicks (1 Viewer)

[Aidwright]

Hi, I had a brood of 10 day old blue tit chicks and today the nest box is completely empty, how could the 7 chick have disappeared out of the nest? Thanks

 

[delia todd]

Hi Aidwright and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

If you're sure about the dates, it may be a little early for them to have fledged, but not impossible. Otherwise, the only thing I can think of is that they have been predated.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum! I am sure that you will find lots to interest you here and I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I’m sorry to hear of your nestlings, but can’t help with your question.

 

[Fritz73]

Welcome to Birdforum

 

[Aidwright]

Hi Aidwright and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

If you're sure about the dates, it may be a little early for them to have fledged, but not impossible. Otherwise, the only thing I can think of is that they have been predated.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

Thanks for the warm welcome,
The parents where in and out yesterday but this afternoon I noticed no activity so I took a look and there was no chicks and no signs of them being killed, I live in the middle of a large built up estate. The hole in the box is 30mm so what could have gotten in to take them. I’ve never seen a stoat and I don’t think a squirrel could get in, the only thing I have seen is a great tit that took interest in the box.
The parents have returned about 2 hours later and the female has gone in the box and stayed in there.
I’m baffled, any ideas what it could be.? Thanks

 

[KC Foggin]

Welcome aboard Aidwright and enjoy

 

[PYRTLE]

Great Spotted Woodpeckers are known predators of songbirds that use nest boxes. GSW have been known to hammer through a wooden box to reach inside. 30mm would be a tight squeeze for one though........but you would have noticed if the entrance had been widened. 10 days is not long enough for them to reach fledgling state.
Interesting about the female returning, guess it could be a type of mourning behaviour but never heard of that personally.