Are Martin parasites white keeping parents out?

[gator1026]

Is that normal for parents to not sleep with babies at 3 weeks old?

Going to do another nest change in the morning; I usually do nest checks between 1 to 3 pm when its hot and babies are usually napping at that time.
I have never had a problem with parasites guess all the rain has a lot to do with it. I can see the adults stopping on the porch to feed them and their snapping at the whatever is bothering them.
Also have a flock of newly fledged around the house to visit but one juvenal is going in the house and getting their food. I have been running it off every time I see it trying to enter the nest with babies. Only have one pair with 5 babies. What is be best way to remove parasites from babies? Any advice would be appreciated!

[DebA]

If you are talking about mites...I use Sevin dust. Just put 1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon on an outside side of their nest against a wall. Not in the nest bowl. It will take care of the mites quickly.

This is a controversial subject. If you search mites or sevin on the forum you will see threads with others' opinions. Some do a complete nest change instead. Placing babies back into the nest bowl you build.

Some don't like the risk if sevin hurts babies. Others, like me, feels it doesn't. I've read threads where it has been used on chickens for years etc... I just feel that mites can do damage and certainly must be uncomfortable.

Good luck. You could also search nest changes and get those perspectives and how to's. I just use the sevin.

Deb

[D'Nese]

We use Sevin every year. I just sprinkle some on the porch and in the entrance of the cavity.....no mites after that.