How to Handle Emergencies
In many instances, while monitoring, you may be able to diagnose and handle the problems that arise. You can refer to the About Bluebirds section or the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
However, emergencies while monitoring are urgent occurrences where it is important to locate a rehabber as soon as possible.
Below are three EMERGENCY SITUATIONS with suggestions to help you deal with them, but NYSBS recognizes it may be critical to reach out and seek valuable input from a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. Check out: Find a Wildlife Professional-NY State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Inc. Click on Animal Help Now.
Emergency Situations—Single Parent Nests
- Female Eastern Bluebird found dead with eggs present
If you find the female bluebird dead with eggs, consider the nest lost. The male bluebird is not physically able to incubate the eggs, as he does not have a brood patch.
- Female Eastern Bluebird found dead with young in the nest
This is always a very serious situation with, in most instances, a poor outcome. If the nestlings are older than 5-7 days, male bluebirds, under the right conditions (warm weather and plenty of insects), may be able to successfully raise young by themselves. Nestlings under 8 days of age need brooding at night or during colder temperatures. These orphaned chicks can be transferred to other bluebird nests IF the following rules are followed:
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- Nestlings must be the same age & size
- No more than 5 chicks total in any nest
- Do not transfer chicks during inclement weather
Keep in mind that the adoptees will be competition for the young nestlings already in the nest and may cause it to fail, compounding an already bad situation.
Failure to follow all the above rules could jeopardize the entire foster nest.
- Male bluebird found dead with chicks or eggs
Female bluebirds can incubate, hatch, and raise a brood of nestlings by themselves. Single bluebirds struggle with large broods. Supplying mealworms will help the female with feeding her young.