East Texas Landlords - Anyone still have active nests?

[teridickinson]

We moved last year and have been working on starting a new colony. This year we got one ASY pair and aside from a bout of nest mites, we got through the season with little drama. We had six hatch and they started fledging last Thursday. We had lots of birds hanging out around creating chaos during the fledging as normal and lots and lots of subbies hanging around checking out colonies which bodes well for next year.

But, today they weren't really around a lot and I saw one sitting on the porch by himself. So we brought the house down and gave him some eggs and some water. He seems to be in good shape but it's possible they've abandoned him, I didn't know until today we still had one in the house.

In the event they don't some back for him, is there anyone that could allow us to place him in an active nest?

We live on Lake Palestine, just west of Tyler. There are some other colonies around us but none are managed that I know of, so I don't think the people would have any way to get the housing down get him in an active nest.

Thanks!

[Lisa]

I live too far but past experience of putting feathered babies in with another live nest of similar age has never been successful for me. I have tried all ages. The parents just know their young and they treat any additional babies like intruders. I would be curious as to who has actually had success in putting babies in with others nests.

That is just my experience and I would not discourage you to try, should you find an active colony. After all, if the parents have abandoned them, you have nothing to lose. I wish you the very best.

[Spiderman]

Actually you are very Lucky, There is actually a wildlife rehabber in Palestine that works with all types of birds.

If you contact your local game warden or sheriff' office they could provide you with her information. It has been years since I have talked to her and couldn't find her information.

You can feed the Fledgling crickets from a local fishing bait shop to keep it healthy & strong in the inter rum

[C.C.Martins]

Its an imporant time for the chicks and parents. If the chick is still around and while waiting for the rehabber to assist id continue to feed it.
Are the parents returning at night with the others? If so make sure the chick is back when they return. The parents know they are there, but migration is a strong pull and they very well just go, but come back to check. I had two left behind for 3 days this week, entire house fledged but those 2, the parents would come by and check every so often but the chicks woudnt budge, they were healthy enogh-no pronounced breast bones or mites. Female stayed with them over night. Male did not. Yesterday prepared the crickets, plugs and bucket for some supplemental feeding and the cavity was empty! The adults brought them back last evening. Prepare for the worst i suppose.

[teridickinson]

Hi all,
Sorry for abandoning the thread, had to travel.
We fed the baby Sunday night and went out and checked him and fed him again Monday morning. The crew was hanging around trying to get him to fledge and he looked strong enough so since we had to leave, we decided to force the issue a little. We put him on the perch on the roof and raised the house back up. He sat there and flapped a lot and considered flying but still wouldn't take the plunge. After about an hour I was worried a hawk was going to notice him up there do we decided to see what would happen if we brought the house back down and sure enough, once it came down about 1/2 way he jumped and flew to a nearby tree with Dad and some obnoxious subby males right behind. So, all's well that ends well! I sure felt better leaving behind an empty house!
Thanks for all the support!

[gmmajor]

Our neighbors PMs in Galveston County have fledged a half dozen. In our yard, we still have a clutch of three and another of two being fed by their parents. Another week to 10 days for these to fledge IMHO.