First time hatch... Freaking Out! Help!!!!

[Moosli]

Can we have a picture of the current status?

 

[animaladdictions]

we need another pic! gotta see if he's okay!

 

[sparkleeyes]

I just went over to him after leaving him be for a while... and there's nothing. No heartbeat. I had to call hubby at work and tell him. He was curled up in that egg all night. I thought he was just tired from all the moving around he was doing yeaterday.

I don't even know what to think about it. We got him this far. And we talked about it to everyone. And we tried to do what we could. And I know hubby was really excited cause he loves animals. I'm very sad.

I don't know if it was the humidity, or the temperature, or what. It didn't seem like he was stuck... I thought he could have gotten out, and that it was just part of the process. We were kind of attached already. Seriously. I was kind of preparing myself for this earlier, but now that we seen his toes out, and his head, I just don't understand. And hubby is going to be asking me questions... and I don't know.

I was documenting the whole thing with pictures and video, with me narrarating.

 

[sparkleeyes]

Loved when he had his little toe, then eventually his whole foot stuck out. And the last pic, he had his foot drawn back in and his head curled with the end of his beak tucked under his wing....

 

[LallyBrochFarm]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is heart breaking when we lose one of these little guys. We just went through losing an entire hatch because of malfunctioning thermostat in an incubator- just terrible feeling. Then, we were surprised when a broody hen hatched 7 chicks for us from the main coop nest box. The joy of hatching healthy babies far outweighs the sorrow when something goes wrong. I wish for much joy in your future.

Sonja T of http://lallybrochfarms.blogspot.com/2012/08/another-blessing.html

 

[yo burrill]

So sorry for your loss. But there is a reason why he didnt make it. Only the survival of the fittest keeps the breeds strong and healthy. I have 19 EE eggs in the bator. I hope to get atleast 9 to hatch and be healthy.

 

[sparkleeyes]

It was so very sad, being out first time trying to incubate ourselves. Thanks so much for your words of sympathy and encouragement. Hubby says next time we'll leave it to a Broody. Loved the experience!!

 

[jet tail]

oh dear I am so heartbroken - just came online expecting to see the little one. So sorry my heart is sore for you -leave it to the broody the next time but when you have had time to get over it do try again. Truly its worth it. Dont give up. It must be such a shock and I feel for you.

 

[animaladdictions]

I too am soooo sorry this happened.

Considering the little thing was the only one in there, it must be that much more upsetting. I feel just terrible for you. But PLEASE whatever you do, just like others here have said, don't let this cause you to give up on hatching. Even broody's lose babies sometimes. Next time you try, do it with more eggs so you've got more chance for success. Even us old timers lose babies so it doesn't necessarily mean that you did anything wrong at all. And another thing is, sometimes they do get a little weak from hatching...especially when they're in the wrong position like that. Had I seen your post sooner, I would have encouraged you to help the little thing out a bit. Not everyone believes in doing that and I understand their points on the subject, but I feel there's nothing wrong with helping them out on occasion if you know what you're doing. Hope you have better luck next time and feel free to pm me if you ever need any help!