How Long Can A Bird Be Away From Her Eggs

[@KC-bz7eb]

Thank you for this information. I have a North cardinal that just built a nest right in the tall bush that is in front of my kitchen sink. It has two eggs in the nest and noticed mama bird sitting but also away. Right now trying my best not to make too much loud noises during washing the dishes. Don't want to scare mama bird.

[@nesthollow5159]

This is wonderful and so exciting. I'm working on a video about protecting cardinal nests, but it won't be out for a bit. I know exactly what you mean about trying not to disturb her while she's nesting outside your window. I've had the same thing and just tiptoe and keep the inside lights off as much as I can. Thank goodness they fledge quick after hatching. Then you get to watch the babies beg for food from their parents. I'm so excited for you. Enjoy it!

[@bretthaberle7229]

Appreciate all the videos. Been monitoring my bluebird box this last week. My bluebirds have 3 eggs in there so far, so expecting them to be ready to sit on them soon once the rest of the eggs are laid. This bluebird couple has been very interesting. They built the nest, the female disappeared for weeks, then finally started laying eggs.

[@nesthollow5159]

They took a looooong bluebird "honeymoon" I take it 😊

[@M00Nature]

Thank you, this was very informative. With climate change, we have been experiencing false springs (warm then suddenly cold) and high heat index days in the summer that can cause the death of eggs or hatchlings. It is good to keep this in mind when you are constructing or purchasing a bird house and also when/where you are installing it. I have seen many commercial nest boxes lately with poor ventilation and with dark-colored roofs. I suggest you correct this before you put up your bird box. You can always drill more ventilation holes near the top of the box and you can paint the roof white or affix a piece of white vinyl siding over the dark-colored commercial roof. When siting your box, if you can put the box where it will get some shade during the day, that would be better than exposing it to the sun all day long. Another aspect to siting a box: try not to place a box where the female will be frequently disturbed by people and/or their pets (example alongside a popular trail or near a busy street or sidewalk).

[@nesthollow5159]

It has felt like the really high heat has come early. I definitely get nervous on those days. Drilling extra vent holes on commercial boxes is definitely a must. I love your advice too in box placement. Thank you.

[@erikaerika7788]

Its been 2 years in my new yard , being converted to native plsnts❤❤❤more birds and bugs keep comming ..i have nesting: bluebirds, cardinals, brown trashers, doves, mockingbirds and now a crested flycatcher 😂❤❤❤❤

[@nesthollow5159]

I love that. Every year more native plants are added, and the older ones are becoming more established. It's really amazing when you can see a whole ecosystem unfold in your own yard. I bet it is absolutely bliss for you ❤🐦🐛🐝🌾

[@Hermit4321]

good topic! I had a female one time that didn't sit on her eggs one night doing incubation, she most of gotten spoked or something, they all ended up hatching. so, the eggs can stay alive for at list 10 hours in good nighttime temps.

[@nesthollow5159]

That's amazing. And it's pretty incredible to see that eggs are more resilient than we often realize.

[@linoradoyle2023]

My love bird laid 2 eggs and died very sad what does I do

[@nesthollow5159]

Oh no I'm so sorry. I am not sure about advice since my area of expertise is with wild birds and not domestic birds. I do wonder if she was egg bound where the egg gets stuck for a while in the duct. That can happen, especially with calcium deficiency, and it can be fatal if intervention doesn't happen quickly enough. That's my only guess. I would call your vet and ask what they think happened. I am so sorry about your bird. Love birds are soooo wonderful.

[@markshen3280]

Perhaps we should just leave it to what nature does and we humans shouldn’t interfere and shouldn’t intervene whether or not the eggs in the nest 🪺 should be taken care of by birds or not.

[@nesthollow5159]

Definitely. With some birds though, nest monitoring is actually extremely important because of the decline in species. But beginners often are more nervous when monitoring the nest and panic when a parent bird is off nest for "too long."

[@erikaerika7788]

Bluebirds must be monitored and defended from hosp..winpi birds 😂😂😂