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Birding/Wren Nest
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Question
I have a family of Wren's that made their nest in my Topsy Turvy and the babies hatched roughly 4 days ago. My cat heard them and tried to get to them, but couldn't. Since this incident, I have noticed only 1 parent visiting the nest. I am assuming it is the mother. She is very cautious and I see her seldomly feeding the chicks. I have seen her going in with food and can hear the babies. I am worried though....Since she is alone, will she be able to feed all 4? Should I intervene or leave it alone. In the last several hours of day, I only saw her go in 4 times.
Also, does she sleep in the nest with the babies at night? Are they fed at night as well?
I appreciate it!
Leave them alone. One parent can raise a brood. The female will stay with them at night when they are very small to keep them warm, and they are not fed at night. If you buy one of the new automatic non-smelling litter boxes which sweeps the waste into a closed box you will be able to keep your cat indoors. It will be healthier, live longer and you will save $ on litter. Domestic and feral cats kill millions of birds and small animals.
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Answers by Expert:
Bluebird Bob Walshaw
Expertise
I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.
Experience
I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.
Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance
Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World
Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.
Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.
Past/Present Clients
Many
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