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I don't think reducing the number of cavities will increase the chances of success, what you have seen is quite unusual and is unlikely to happen again. For all we know the blue tits may have eventually settled on one of those compartments and raised a healthy brood, they can lay up to 14 eggs so it is possible some fledged but some unfertilised eggs were left behind. I would stick with my original comments, pop it back up and wait and see what happens but also target blue tits with a special blue tit box lower down on a suitable wall. If House sparrows are around then be patient, they can be difficult to tempt into new boxes but given time as their colony grows they may start to use them.
I don't think blocking the holes up would help, remember that while the female is incubating the eggs, the male will roost elsewhere, possibly using one of the other holes!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
That is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thank you so much. I already have put it back in place all clean and empty, and I will just leave it where it is which is around 2-3 metres off the ground, and I do also have another single box at the opposite end of my garden which I believe has a smaller entry hole. I am also considering purchasing a swift nest box to put up under the eaves (3 storey house) so hopefully this too will be used next year!! Thanks again Ian and doggie