Bluetit hatching

[craigdaniel]

What is the latest eggs will hatch incubation been going on for 2 weeks now no cam in box but birds still acting the same way, male brings food for the female but no signs of any noise from chicks or female acting any differently

[RKB]

They might have hatched. There is little change in behaviour for the first 3-4 days as the chicks need extensive brooding, just like incubation, while their food requirements can still be largely met by the male alone. The male may take food into the box, but the female will feed some of this to the young. After a few days, both birds will bring food back after the female's periods off the nest, so hatching will be obvious. But incubation can still take up to 15/16 days (or as little as 12/13). Hatching may also take place over 2 days, so not all at once.

The young have very faint squeaks until about day 8. If you can reach the box, you can put your ear to the hole and quickly scratch the hole perimeter, which might tempt the blind young to beg (you wont disturb the adults if you're quick).

[craigdaniel]

thanks for the reply