Will male blue tit sit on chicks?

Hi Sozzer, since males do not have a brood patch to keep the young warm I would say the outlook is grim, I assume the young are still naked in which case their body temperature cannot be controlled. However you could try leaving out meal worms but crush the heads first as they can nip, the female normally removes the head before feeding.


As normal both parents have specific roles the female builds the nest whilst the male provides her with food; however in some species the male will cover the brood for a short period if needed.


This is also not exactly my field of knowledge but one female parent is capable of coping although it will tough going, males sometimes have two females but only provides for one once one has hatched her brood, I have also added a couple of links you may find interesting, other then that I wish you all my very best .


Alan


www.biggonline.co.uk/BlueAndGreatTits2-shrink.pdf



wildlifegadgetman.com/blue-tit-nest-rescue-race-time/


Thanks Alan, that was very informative. My panic may be over in that the one adult visiting just half an hour ago, covered the brood, so although they seem to be down to one parent, luckily it appears to be the female......phew. Yes they are naked apart from a tuft of down on their heads and tiny tiny wing feathers.



Interesting links you provided. Sad that 1 in 5 nests are abandoned for one reason or another. I would just have to switch the monitor off if something like that happened. It was bad enough last years watching the weaker chicks die



Thanks for your good wishes. Sue