I hatched 13 chicks (Light Sussex and Jersey Giants) between Thursday and Saturday and all but 2 hatched flawlessly. Those 2 pipped, zipped and then got stuck. I didnt have a choice, I had to help them hatch. The shell was so glued to the baby chicks their feathers were hard, and they couldnt move. It took a lot of work to get the feathers softened enough to get the shell open. Long story short, the first chick recovered fast and is doing excellent! The 2nd chick however, never seemed to find his strength. Each time it breathed out I heard a click noise, and his breathing seemed to be very labored. He was lethargic, and "walked" using his leggs and his wings, I guess you could say on all 4's. He would open his eyes when I would chirp at him, and he would respond with his chirp. I kept him seperated with a small stuffed animal and have been nursing him all day long. I kept trying a syringe with Poultry Nutridrench and water, but each time I gave him a drop he would act as though it choked him. A few hours ago he passed away in my hand. So, what I am wondering is, did I somehow get water into the poor things lungs maybe when I was cleaning him?? I really hope that isnt the case, but it made sense...besides that his chirps sounded great.... any ideas???? I have to add, I am a newbie and this was my first incubation. Thanks you!
I don't know what happend, but I'm sure someone with more experience will be able to give you some ideas. Sometimes it just happens though - and there is nothing you did wrong. Sorry for your loss
Thanks for your reply, somehow your words make me feel a little better....I still do want to know what the cause was... if I am going to do this again, I cant stand to see another chick in that position. I babied the little guy til his last breath. I never imagined myself being so attached to a chicken. Anyone have any ideas on what the cause was??? I would appreciate any input. Thank you!!!
Just remember next time they have what they need for the first couple of days from absorbing the yolk sack so you might not want to try giving them anything orally. Sometimes it just happens, it is sad but not always your fault. Don't take it too hard and just try again.
This is why most folks won't "help" hatch a chick. Usually, if they can't hatch, their survivability is low. Sometimes they just aren't strong enough to make it, and they'll die even if helped. So, you did "nothing" to hurt them, but it's hard to say if you helped. The ill one was probably ill before you helped it, and was going to pass away anyhow. Last year, I helped 3 or 4 chicks over 3 hatches, all who died or were deformed. I, personally, won't intervene anymore, because I figure nature has been doing this long before people got involved. I'm sorry for your loss, but also, it's important to learn allabout hatches too. Quote:
I know you feel very badly about losing the chick - if you read the forum posts you know everyone has troubles like that now and then. Look at the other side of the coin, you hatched out several. Many people lament having many eggs in the bator and only hatching one or two live ones - sometimes none. I think you did really well with your hatch. It's human nature to want all to survive but, life isn't like that. Please don't be so hard on yourself. Remember the other chick you hatched is doing fine.
It pretty much comes down to the fact you can't save them all. That it was Shrink wrapped may be a sign that it was slow in hatching. This in turn may indicate that it was simply weak in the first place. I don't think it is anything you did, in fact you helped it out of even worse trouble and even more certain death. Sometimes even the best help is not enough.
Thanks everyone for your replies. I do plan on hatching again, so it was informative to hear your input. I too wondered if the poor chick was doomed from the start as well but I needed some reassurance. Especially since the other one I helped out is doing amazing. This has definitly been a learning experience. You guys have been very supportive and helpful, Thank you all so much!!!
