The Bigg Bird Forum

[Riverblue]

I have just joined today, and need some advice. I have my first camera box and although the hen blue tit has laid 10 she was soon deserted by her mate. However she has now hatched them all from 17th May to 21st. and has been feeding them diligently.Shock Horror this morning, every chick gone. What has happened, the b ox is very well hidden. She has returned often this morning and appears to be comfortable in the nest. Will she lay another batch of eggs. Thanks for any help or advice.

[Strixaluco]

Hello Riverblue, and welcome to the Forum.

I've not heard of anything like this before, so I don't quite know what to say!

For some days after the chicks hatch out, they need their mother's warmth, and she usually broods them most of the time, relying (mainly) on the male for food for the family.

One sad possibility could be that all the chicks died. It would have been extremely difficult for her to find enough food for 10 chicks, and they could have become very cold. Usually when a chick dies, the parent(s) remove the body,but it's hard to believe she could have removed them all, by herself.

I think it's unlikely that she will lay any more eggs, unless she finds another mate - but all you can do is watch and wait.

Maybe someone else will have some thoughts on this - this is the best I can offer.