The more the merrier – experimental evidence for density-dependent feeding facilitation in the bird-specialised tick Ixodes arboricola

Experimental data for manuscript titled "The more the merrier – experimental evidence for density-dependent feeding facilitation in the bird-specialised tick Ixodes arboricola", published in International Journal of Parasitology.
Experimental infestations of great tit (Parus major) nestlings with 1-5 adult tree-hole ticks (Ixodes arboricola). Data concern number of ticks placed on nestlings, tick attachment success after 1 h and 48 h, tick recovery rates, tick engorgement weight and tick scutum length, and nestling weight, tarsus length and developmental age at infestation and 48 h later. Additional factors include year, area and nest, and dates and times of infestation (time1) and inspection of nestlings (time2).