After my "sad sad week" posting last week, I fed 6 jumpers in the house for two days. All but 1 made it and put them back in the nests when things cooled off a bit. Found several on the ground again, along with one dead and another my dog snagged before I could stop him. I put them back and hot weather hit again yesterday really bad. This afternoon I had 5 jumpers on the ground all grouped together next to the garage door. So, I lowered the gourd rack and house and found 5 dead fully feathered young in the gourds. Only one live bird left in the gourds and one live bird left in the house. I put both of these birds in a box with the 5 jumpers and began tossing the most developed ones first. Of course the adults were circling overhead and making a racket. The first three were able to take off flying about 6 to 8 feet off the ground with what appeared to be good strength, with the adults right behind encouraging them. I then tossed two more and they were able to fly to the roof of my house. The two remaining that were not ready to take off, I put back in the nests where I found the two live young, one in each nest since I think the parents were still feeding them by the looks of birds with bugs in their mouth today. So, that pretty much ends my season, and I did all I could do. Will definitely be back next year for another try...hopefully like past years.
Bud Hopkins
Plano, TX
Season ends on sad note...more dead but a few fly
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Guest
That's tough Bud,
Sounds like you have had a rough season. Seems this has been a tough season on many, many landlords. I like hearing that no quit attitude. I appreciate you sharing with us. Through your experience we may learn how to better deal. I hope you have a much more normal season next year. This was the first year we have had 100+ temps. in June in Okla. since 1994. Heat started early. At least we didn't have to fight an extended drought like most in Texas did in addition to the heat.
Numerous days last month I ran the water sprinkler. We had a couple of 106 days. Mine are doing pretty good but with so many ready to fledge I'm holding my breath for another couple weeks of good temps.. Our bug supply seems to be plentiful so mine seem fat and healthy. I'm to the point now where I can't lower them for nest checks. Crossing my fingers and praying.
Sounds like you have had a rough season. Seems this has been a tough season on many, many landlords. I like hearing that no quit attitude. I appreciate you sharing with us. Through your experience we may learn how to better deal. I hope you have a much more normal season next year. This was the first year we have had 100+ temps. in June in Okla. since 1994. Heat started early. At least we didn't have to fight an extended drought like most in Texas did in addition to the heat.
Numerous days last month I ran the water sprinkler. We had a couple of 106 days. Mine are doing pretty good but with so many ready to fledge I'm holding my breath for another couple weeks of good temps.. Our bug supply seems to be plentiful so mine seem fat and healthy. I'm to the point now where I can't lower them for nest checks. Crossing my fingers and praying.
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teridickinson
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:05 am
- Location: Texas/Lake Palestine
Sorry to hear that. What kind of housing/ventilation do you have?
I think we're all trying to learn what works best under extreme conditions.
Teri
I think we're all trying to learn what works best under extreme conditions.
Teri
My lone surviving nestling died today. There had to have been something else going on besides the heat and dehydration. No matter how many crickets he ate, he stayed thin and lethargic. He finally just wasted away to nothing. I'm sorry he didn't make it but I'm glad it's all over. My colony has been deserted for over a week now. Hope the remainder of the season is better for everyone.
Patrick
Patrick
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Joe Zorn
Tough news, Patrick, and others.
It's been a tough spring and summer for us down south. The northern landlords seem to be having an even tougher time than we are, with much greater loses. They have not even gotten to the hot months yet.
It's gotta be breaking their hearts to be able to do so little for the babies.
Patrick, you fledged most of your colony with the housing, equipment, and techniques you felt would best serve them. And it did.
We "Can't fool Mother Nature", as the TV butter commercial says. I think you did for the most part!
It's been a tough spring and summer for us down south. The northern landlords seem to be having an even tougher time than we are, with much greater loses. They have not even gotten to the hot months yet.
It's gotta be breaking their hearts to be able to do so little for the babies.
Patrick, you fledged most of your colony with the housing, equipment, and techniques you felt would best serve them. And it did.
We "Can't fool Mother Nature", as the TV butter commercial says. I think you did for the most part!