Heat related deaths and jumpers

[CMF]

Just walked outside and checked my work colony and found 2 dead young and 4 jumpers, none of which are near fledging. Heat is 99 and many young are on their porch trying to cool but there is no escaping, not a whiff of a breeze. I have mealworms at home to feed them and have had 100% success in previous years, but not 4 at one time! Since I raise mealworms, there will be plenty to sustain more jumpers. The live birds were feathered up so they slowed the drop from above. The pinned young didn't have a chance, there is no grass cushion below.
CMF
Harbeson, DE

[Louise Chambers]

That's too bad, Chuck - when is the heat going to break?

[CMF]

Friday will be 93 and dropping Saturday on into the upper 80's. If we can make it through today, I think we'll be OK. The Martins are fly-dipping the run off pond heavily and birds are sitting on the bank sipping. Glad the parents are getting refreshed. Thanks Louise
Chuck

[Peggy Riley]

Glad you found them. Have you checked for mites?

[Spiderman]

I agree with Peggy, at those temperatures they could be jumping because of mites in the nestbox.

[CMF]

No mites folks, I treat the colony with Seven. The jumpers most likely fell off their porches from overcrowding or parents landing with food. Parasites were not found on the dead either. I hypothesize the birds had no time to acclimate themselves to temperature spike. Previous daily temperatures have been pleasant in the low 80’s and prior to this predicted heat wave, I sent out an email to fellow Sussex County Delaware Landlords to be alert. Alas, I think my colony was hit pretty hard but considering at last nest check (6/10) I had 285 young & 117eggs, the 7 jumpers and 4 dead young doesn’t seem so bad. I just hope tomorrow mellows. I fed the 7 twice this evening and all readily took the offerings and snuggled together in the doggie crate.
CMF

[CMF]

I just released the two strongest heat victims at their natal colony and they took to the air like veterans. The entire colony lifted off to greet and escort them as they flew in a straight line out of sight. Down to 7 and tomorrow or Monday the next two oldest may be ready to fly. The others are eating well and most are opening their mouths when I offer food which makes it so easy instead of the paperclip pry the mouth open method. Tomorrow, I will lower and find a gourd with young birds that match the age of the rescued. I hope the parents will adopt and take over the feeding duties which I will be too glad to stop, although watching a bird fly from your hand for the first time never gets old.
CMF