Mom Bluebird left (1 Viewer)

[marsham]

I had a pair of bluebirds in my nest box, she layed 5 eggs and has been sitting on them for over a week.Tonight about 9:30 I noticed she was gone from the nest box (I have a camera in box) and its been at least an hour and half and she has not returned. I am so upset and confused, she was definitely in there after it got dark but just up and left. Everything seemed to be going good i put a sparrow spooker after first egg on box which was doing its job as far as keeping other birds away, the male has been bringing her food all day and they never seemed stressed over anything. What could be going on and I am assuming the eggs are no good now?

 

[marsham]

Well this morning mom came back and is in box as I type and dad just brought her food. In very confused on what's going on. I checked my notes and its actually 8 days exactly since last egg was layed and I was so sure she started incubating them. She has been in box not stop except for a few minutes to feed and when she returned it looked like she would plump up feathers and then wiggle down to cover them good and eggs were always in different positions . The only information I can find on how long eggs can go without warmth after incubation starts says 30 minutes so if this is true the eggs couldn't be any good after sitting all night without her. Would live to here input from experts out there on if this is true. I know the eggs can stay good for a awhile before incubation starts but what about after? Thanks

 

[GardenHeart]

I found this online that Delayed incubation slows development, but doesn't harm embryos. ... Any egg that is not incubated at all will not hatch. So as long as she is incubating now, they should be fine.

 

[marsham]

Thanks, hopefully everything is ok she was in there last night and all day.

 

[marsham]

Well so far we have 3 babies! So exciting

 

[delia todd]

That's wonderful news. Good luck to them - I hope they all fledge successfully.

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

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

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum!

I’m glad the brood was successful.

 

[marsham]

Thanks! Just wanted to update. Four of the five eggs hatched and babies seem to be doing well. Mom and dad are keeping them well fed. I put up a sparrow spooker after first egg so hopefully it does its job. I have the camera hooked up so that I can watch them day and night on seperate tv. I never expected to get bluebirds so its exciting!

 

[delia todd]

Thanks so much for the update Marsham. What an exciting and interesting few weeks you're in for watching the tv LOL.

 

[Kits]

Good to know it’s going well!