Coal Tit Chicks

flossiemi · #1 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 01:35 PM

Hi

I would really appreciate some advice. This morning a cat

has killed one of the coal tits that were nesting in my birdbox. I think that this was the female. The other bird is still around and eating bird food but is not entering the box at all. Both tits were in and out of the nesting box all day for the last few weeks. Over the last few days you could hear the chicks quite clearly but since this morning the box has been silent. Any advice please.

Flossiemi

feathered-friend · #2 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 01:56 PM

The chicks in my box only call for food when they hear the parents land on the box.

If its been a few weeks since the parents have been in and out of the box are you sure they have not already fledged?

Anyway I hope someone can help you soon.

flossiemi · #3 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:02 PM

Thank you for your answer. I am sure they aren't fledged yet. The two parent birds were taking food into the chicks all day yesterday and even first thing this morning. Since the mother bird was killed earlier the other bird is not entering the box at all, but is hovering around in the tree outside the box but is not entering. How long should I wait before investigating the nesting box more thoroughly.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:05 PM

If it was me I would leave it alone until August, Sept..then clean the box out..

flossiemi · #5 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:11 PM

OK Kayleigh, thank you for your advice, I will wait until then. It will be very sad not watching the birds going in and out of the nesting box. I have become very attached to them.

Lance Morgan · #6 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:14 PM

Its terrible to think of the chicks starving to death but that's nature for you.
If it was me I would try and save them - the law's an ass.

Kayleigh · #7 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flossiemi

OK Kayleigh, thank you for your advice, I will wait until then. It will be very sad not watching the birds going in and out of the nesting box. I have become very attached to them.

I am only saying what I would do other members may have different ideas as there is a similar thread somewhere else..

I am sure your bird will find another mate and another place to nest..
Maybe a bit safer place to nest next time away from cats...

feathered-friend · #8 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

Its terrible to think of the chicks starving to death but that's nature for you.
If it was me I would try and save them - the law's an ass.

I would try to save them too, but it is unlikely they would survive if they are very young.

If you,re not in the UK? I,m guessing it would be allowed where you are

flossiemi · #9 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:21 PM

Thanks Lance, if I tried to save them what would I feed them with, unfortunately I have no experience. Any advice would be welcome, I would like to at least give it a go.

The nesting box is in a safe place away from cats, I did take advice as to where it should be situated. I don't know where this cat came from and unfortunately it caught the coal tit whilst it was on the ground.

Jenny W · #10 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 02:23 PM

The survival of the chicks depends on a number of factors. If they have been hatched for long enough to be left alone, if there is plenty of food around and the remaining parent is experienced then there is a chance some may fledge (both parents will feed larger young once the need for brooding is passed).

If however, it is the female that has been killed (what makes you think it's the female? There's no proper way of telling unless the bird is in the hand) and they are too small to be left unbrooded then they will not survive as it is the female only that broods them.