UNFERTILIZED EGGS

[JohnM]

This year I have five pair of PM’s. Four pair are raising chicks. But one pair out of 5 has five eggs that haven’t hatched and it has been three weeks. The male is ASY but not sure of age of female. Could be SY. Has anyone seen this before where all eggs in a clutch are infertile?

[Bird Brain]

I doubt the eggs are infertile. A more likely reason in nest abandonment. I have 5 eggs currently that were abandoned by an SY female. Happened to me last year also. For some reason, SY females change their mind sometimes and decide not to commit to the process of hatching eggs and raising chicks. Maybe the responsibility is too much for them. I don't know. The late arrivals seem to be the most likely to abandon. So maybe the heat has something to do with it. Seems to be normal so I wouldn't worry about it.