Great tits (1 Viewer)

[BirdwatchGirl]

We had a pair of great tits in our nesting box. They had four chicks that survived last year. They came back again this year and had 5 chicks. Unfortunately, activity around the box stopped and today we discovered that all the chicks were dead. However we had another empty nesting box just a couple of metres away to which the tits are now taking nesting material. Could this be the same pairs of tits? Could the female be laying more eggs? I have not seen any other tits around.

 

[Meisenmama]

I‘d say yes, great tits sometimes brood twice till the end of June. Keep your fingers crossed and maybe offer some buffalos or mealworms in case help with food is needed. Good luck!

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

Great tits often have two broods so it is entirely possible.

 

[Fritz73]

Hola Birdwatchgirl! A warm welcome to Birdforum from all the staff and moderators

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi there and a warm welcome to you .
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

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

 

[delia todd]

Hi Birdwatchgirl and a warm welcome from me too.

Such a shame for them to have failed on their first attempt this year. I'd guess it was the poor weather that caused it. I'd do as Meisenmama suggests and put some mealworms out for them (but not too close to the nest). This will give the adults a boost and allow them more time to find food for the chicks.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

​

 

[Smith7]

Welcome

 

[Ttrevor]

Hi BirdwatchGirl,

How old do you think the five chicks were, were their eyes open and what feathers did they have. I am just wondering what killed them. Has any one near you been spraying herbicides or insecticides that you know of. is the box facing prevailing wind direction, was the nest inside dry. if it had a leak and they got damp and chilled that may account for their deaths. It is odd that they all died together don't you think.
Trevor