Last week we noticed 12 eggs were laid in one day and then a further 3 the following day and now we have 18 eggs. We have also noticed that 2 hens are simultaneoulsy incubating the eggs on the nest together. They seem to get on reasonably well together but sometimes one bird sits on top of the other. Occasionally a male comes into the nest to feed a female.
Has this ever happened before and what is the likely outcome? I can't imagine it would be a favourable outcome if all the eggs hatch.
Hi occasionally a male Blue Tit pairs with two females in different nests - VERY occasionally as far as we know they share a nest.
Probably a proportion of ( the strongest / loudest) of each brood will survive to fledge. S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Are you able to provide live meal worms? I purchase from here, arrive very quickly in regular post!
www.livefoodsdirect.co.uk/.../small-regulars
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Forgot to add that I keep mine in the fridge, their box in polythene bag for hygiene, slows down life cycle & stops them smelling ! Buy small quantities & use quickly if not used to dealing with them!