I've got two Killdeer who have a nest outside my home in the front yard. For the first two weeks nothing has even come close to the nest that had 4 eggs. I placed a bird bath in the yard ad they take advantage f that. I even placed seed nearby and it was days before they would try that, but they did and they liked it. Even during a major thunderstorm, the male never once gt off the nest and endured. I was so amazed and fell head over heels in love with them. Three nights ago, two cats kept coming into the yard and al the way up to the nest. I chased them away several times. Then two night ago, I guess they came and stole two of the four eggs. Now last night they got one more. The Killdeer are frantic and Im so heart sick. I can't let it end this way. What can I do to help save the one remaining egg? Please!
2006-07-14 23:52:45 · 10 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
I'm so sorry guys. While trying to figure out how to save the last egg from the cat, I witnessed a small group of crows snatching the egg while the killdeer looked on helplessly. I should have known to stay outside with them longer. I should have been able to tell dange was still near because they were still so agitated. I feel so responsible.
Just wanted to say thank you to the bird lovers that responded so kindly.
2006-07-15 03:52:47 · update #1
Sorry, it's natures food chain...if you touch the egg the parents will abandon the egg.
2006-07-14 23:57:10 · answer #1 · answered by sadie_oyes 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Killdeer are neat birds & very protective of their nest. The adults will usually fake being hurt & try to lure predators away from the nest.
Unfortunately protecting a Killdeers nest is very difficult.
It may have not been the cats that got the eggs. However if you do have stray cats coming into your yard, I would notify your neighbors of your intention to call animal control on any stray cats. Give them a chance to take care of the problem. Most cities have leash laws for even cats. The owners can not legally allow thier cats to roam onto other peoples land. If the owners don't keep their cats on their own property after the warning, have animal control trap them. You did warn them!
You may have problems other than the cats. You may have rats or opposums or raccoons or... well the list goes on depending on your location. Crows & other birds are known to steal & eat other birds' eggs. Some snakes will eat them also.
As cruel as all this seems, killdeers lose their eggs all the time. Ground nesting birds are especially vulnerible. It all part of nature.
2006-07-15 05:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by carl l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not natures food chain, the domesticated cat is not part of the food chain.
Set a box trap, bait with cat food, trap the cat and call the authorities to pick the cat up, Do this with all stray cats, most cities have animal control laws and the cat is not allowed to be at large, but most folks don't care what there pet is doing while at large, thousands of song birds are killed by the stray cats.
Folks don't seem to get it, then new laws are inflicted upon those that keep there pets within there home.
Set traps and catch the stray cats, hand them over to animal control, what happens to the cat should be a concern of the cats owner.
Not yours.
Protect wildlife from those that let there cats roam freely outdoors.
Trap the animal and call the authorities.
2006-07-15 01:34:15 · answer #3 · answered by Brokenwing 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I feel for you...it is too hard for you to be there 24/7 to protect he nest. It is very common for eggs to become a meal for other animals and birds. Some birds have to build several nests in one season before they suceed and sometimes they only have one successful nest over several seasons. Unfortunately you cannot do much about wild animals and birds getting at the nest, but as far as the cats are concerned..if they have owners, speak to them about keeping their cats indoors, if they are strays...set up traps and take them to the pound. Good Luck.
2006-07-15 09:52:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are these stray cats that are coming into your yard or do they belong to someone? Because it isn't fair to other wildlife if cats are allowed to roam free. Try to locate the owners of the cats and tell them the situation. Unfortunately, if they are stupid enough to think their cats need their freedom then they probably don't care what they do while they're out there having fun. If they're strays I would do what you think is necessary....maybe have the local animal shelter catch them and take them in.
I love killdeer too! They are so amazing. Good luck with this and thank you for caring...
2006-07-15 00:39:03 · answer #5 · answered by Evil Wordmonger, LTD LOL 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree about the traps. Cats take a huge toll on wild birds and wild life. They have pushed some species to the brink of extinction. They get fed at home and then are allowed to roam and kill all day and night, this gives them a huge advantage over wildlife. So feel free to call the animal control or trap them, catch them whatever way you can!
2006-07-15 03:10:09 · answer #6 · answered by eva diane 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Birds will lay eggs no be counted if or no longer they mate or no longer. it could desire to be that some thing on your fowl's atmosphere has placed her into breeding mode. many times, a minimum of with my adult men, it is leaving the lights on an hour longer for 3 days. in specific situations it is so user-friendly as leaving a newspaper over a corner of her cage and forgetting it there for some days! it is ultimate in case you depart her with the eggs. She'll replace into bored in them after a month. If she did be waiting to mate with the male ( some parrots will cheat on their friends!), anticipate some toddlers in approximately 2 - 2 and a nil.5 weeks. till then, feed mom intense protein and intense calcium ingredients which includes broccoli, cooked tofu or perhaps small quantities of poultry and tuna. it could additionally help in case you get a small equipment of hand feeding formulation and sprinkle her nutrition with a touch the stuff. despite if she does not hatch chicks, the extra beneficial foodstuff will help her physique recover from producing various eggs. If there are toddlers, save feeding mom heat nutrition and the hand feeding formulation. If the different birds initiate choosing on her, do away along with her and the chicks. infant birds are various complicated artwork, yet they are worth it. it is advisable to touch an area parrot club to be sure in the event that they are able to furnish you any recommend. there is typically Budgie breeders in golf equipment and there is guaranteed to be one man or woman who provides you you suggestions. sturdy success!
2016-11-02 02:39:35 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope that someone can help you. I just wanted to let you know that I feel for you. You sound like a person with compassion and I wish you luck!! Wish I had the answer.
2006-07-14 23:59:19 · answer #8 · answered by Deb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to catch the cats and find their owners (if they have owners) if the don't tak'em to a animal shelter
2006-07-15 00:59:07 · answer #9 · answered by astao 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
24 hr vigal and a bb gun.
2006-07-15 00:32:14 · answer #10 · answered by rsqur 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋