Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/15/2011

Question
Central Virginia; A Carolina Chickadee nested in a Eastern Bluebird  box, 7 eggs, 6 hatched and approx 8 days later I noticed Bluebirds on the box.  I went to investigate and discovered the 6 hatchlings mostly dead. 11 days out all are dead, cleaned out box, all carcasses seemed unblemished/normal but tiny ants in nest but had not infested carcasses. Do other box competitors try to take over boxes with hatchlings? Other reasons for abandonment? Thank you.

Answer
This is not an unusual situation, and it happens to other birds as well. The most common cause is that a predator has gotten the parents, especially the female, as if the young were small and needed brooding the male has no brood patch. They have so many predators which is why they have so many young - Bluebirds sometimes 15 or more in a year.  And yes, although Bluebirds are bullied by house sparrows and House Wrens sometimes they bully the smaller Chickadees and will build on top of their nests, ususlly on top of their eggs.

If you will send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book - I have sent out more than 2300. Your address will be used only to mail the book. Good luck, Bluebird Bob Walshaw.

PS - Buy caged bird spray at WalMart or a pet store - it will solve your ant problem. Spray the box and pole. Do it again after a rain,etc. For a longer lasting solution google the Tanglefoot Company to see where in your area that they sell TANGLETRAP SPRAY. This is sticky and lasts a long time on the pole. Do not get it where the birds can get into it.

PS2 - See page 19 in the book to see why you should have 3 or 4 boxes.