bluebird...

[shadust1]

a bluebird put a nest right by the engine fan of our tractor...well of course my boyfriend had to take it out so he built a birdhouse and put the nest inside and put it on a stand for the mother to find it......if anyone knows anything about birds can u please tell me if that was ok to do...im worried sick now that the mommy wont find them and will abandon them....also if she does abandon them what do i need to do to keep them safe.....thanks for the help!!!

 

[Nambroth]

The parent bluebirds might or might not abandon the nest; relocation is pretty stressful for them and if they 'feel' that things have changed to make the chances for rearing their young unsuccessful they may well abandon and try again elsewhere. This is why most states have laws against disturbing native bird nests, but obviously you couldn't leave it in the tractor engine!

Did the nest have eggs or hatched chicks?

How close to the original location was the bird house placed?
If the nest has eggs, they may or may not locate it in time. If it has peeping chicks, with any hope they will hear them.

If there were chicks, mom and/or dad will be visiting throughout the day. They will not visit if there is danger nearby so it is best to watch from a distance. They can be quick, in and out of the nest! It is easy to miss their visit, so careful watching is in order.
If you feel that the chicks (if any) are truly abandoned, please consider contacting a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. They are set up, licensed, and knowledgeable and have the best hope to raise the babies to adulthood. It is against federal law to have these native birds in our 'possession' without rehab permits.

 

[Hoss1975]

They will more than likely abandon the nest.

 

[shadust1]

NAMBROTH;
thanks for the reply....we took them out of the tractor and put them right back the same location with a build birdhouse that is at least 5 feet tall......so im hoping she has found the nest...i know my boyfriend told me that mom has been back because she pooped on the tractor and also his truck....as far as finding the nest im not sure..i cant watch the nest because i work all day...the nest has 4 eggs in it....i dont know what else to do....how long to i just let it go before the eggs r in danger....it was pretty cold out lastnight...i hope nothing happens to them but we had to get them outta of our tractor...i feel really bad....

when i go home today ill just keep checking on them to make sure they r ok....keep an eye out for mom to return...then if i dont see her ill just check to see who i can find in my area to help me out...thanks for the ideas!!!!

 

[Nambroth]

Quote:
You did all you could! Sometimes these things happen.... in nature, nests get destroyed or raided by predators. She may or may not abandon them, and if so there is little that you can do. The good news is that since they were still 'just' eggs, mom and dad can and will nest again if they abandon and have enough time to try for a new clutch! Just make sure that they don't re-build in the tractor (they may try to do so).
Don't feel bad, it's good that you relocated them now rather than when they had chicks!

 

[shadust1]

NAMBROTH,
after my boyfriend transferred them into the birdhouse he put a huge tarp over the tractor so they couldnt get back in...lastyear they put a nest in our shed....pretty sure same mama...lol...so......i hope they will be alright....ill keep an eye on them and decide what to do...thanks for the help!!!!!