Too rainy, too old?

[PVelandra]

My nest check this week was already put back a day, and it has rained all day today. Supposed to rain all night. With most of my 23 nests at 28 days, or fledged already, I would like to hear what other landlords might do. Sa of right now, I will check the nests tomorrow except for 26 days or over. I have had chicks fly out the port and into the corn field in years past while checking older chicks. From what I have read, some landlords just stop after twenty-some days, others use plugs. I have been successful since 2012, and every year I go thru this same uncertainty. Just listening for the voice of experience.

[brent]

Hi Paul. I've used the plug and string method up until earliest fledge date. In a couple of instances where there was concern, I've used this method even after the 26th day. I just make sure that I plug the hole as quick as possible and leave it plugged for 5 to 10 minutes after the house is back up. The checks are brief and if I don't feel a need to check a nest then I just plug and string and check those nests that need attention. I keep as quiet as possible. I have two houses and so check them on different days just to not stress the birds too much. Just so you know, I stop checking if the majority of nests are visibly fledging and I have no other concern that would warrant a check. This has been my approach. I'm sure more seasoned landlords will respond. Good luck.
Brent

[C.C.Martins]

Hi Paul,
This year we had some chicks i feared were starving, yet in other cavities they were ready to fledge. I took the chance and plugged all the holes and successfully checked the chicks. No jumpers. One cavity had an adult female (checked them all while was at it).

Prior years id check them all, stay on my schedule. This year I did not, thought they would jump. I stopped just before fledge time. It worked out ok.

I did have some mites at our satellite site so plugged and checked, delt with mites. All went well. If the chicks hide under porches, huddle in the back and you can't hear them scrubbing around while its plugged, waiting a good 7 to 8 minutes is time for them to settle, and pull the plugs.

If you do not feel comfortable, think you will lose some and did not notice issues, why not wait.

In both instances I did, we had things to take care of.
Hope this helps and wish you a good season!
Tom

[PVelandra]

Thanks for the rundowns, Brent and Tom. I am waiting til late today for a dry-out, and the excitement ebbs. This morn I checked the site and found a mom and pop feeding 2 jumpers that were clinging to some tall grasses near the site. After checking the probable home gourd and finding 2 out of 6 were missing, I knew where to put them. 32 day chicks. Using plugs and string I placed the jumpers in the gourd and raised the rack. Waited 10 minutes and popped the plug out gently. One bird shot out. 5 secs later another shot out, both flying in circles to the joy of about 12 other birds that joined in the celebration. They were obviously ready, and my presence seemed to rush them along. I love the fledging process. Always full of surprises.

[C.C.Martins]

Well done!

[Martintown33]

Good job on the fledges!..I was wondering. How do y’all catch mature jumpers, that are almost ready to fly? When I try to catch them on the ground by hand, when I get close… they half fly and run, looking for a place to hide, making it very hard to catch them. A few years ago, I started using a fishing net, on a long pole. Makes it much easier to catch them in the net, on the ground.. then I gently take them out ( even though they’re not liking it), and put them back in compartments. Any other methods y’all use?
Rob