5 eggs, 3 hatch, 1 chick didn't make it

17 years ago

Hi,

On Sunday, 3 of the 5 eggs Mama had incubated for 14-15 days hatched. Two of them had no problem getting out of the shell and Mama helped them. One of them did manage to get halfway out of the shell by itself. I knew something was wrong, though, when Mama started to try to pick at the egg shell from underneath where the chick's head was. She did not try to take the egg shell off. The two other chicks were and are fine. After a few hours of movement, the other poor chick quit breathing. Sad.

The next day, Mama took the bottom half of the shell from the dead chick but left the top on. I knew the chick was dead and for fear of attracting bugs, I took the body out. The chick's head and the top of the beak was stuck to the egg shell. I suspect Mama hadn't rolled the egg/eggs enough and the poor baby stuck to the shell. As a matter of fact, if the other 2 eggs don't hatch in the next 2 days, I'll take them out and wouldn't be surprised if they've not suffered the same fate. Mama's been tending to the 2 chicks but not really rotating the other 2 eggs (maybe she already knows they won't hatch). Of course, the eggs roll when the chicks move around and when Mama gathers them under her brood patch.

If you'd like to see the video of Day 0-1, I'm still adding to my blog. I will continue to do day-by-day videos till these kids fledge (and as long as I can keep track of them after). If you want on the notification list, let me know.

Bluebird blessings, Linda...

Here is a link that might be useful: somewhere Over the Rainbow Bluebird blog

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Comments (10)

bbcathy
17 years ago
Thanks for the update Linda. I hope all else goes well with this nesting. You don't need anymore drama after last year.
Cathy
lisa11310
17 years ago
Linda you got all your "tools" up and ready to go? We don't need you running up and down the stairs this year!!!! Did you get the super soaker or ya got the hose ready? Hope none of your "little friends" show up again this year!
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lcmoore99
Original Author
17 years ago
Lisa and Cathy,

Thanks for your encouragement. This year, the nest box is where I don't have but a few steps to run down should I have to :)

Plus, I've had my knee replaced since last summer so I'm doing steps MUCH better.

But the bottom line is THERE WILL BE NO HOUSE WRENS!

I put a sign up where they can see it so I expect it'll work...I WISH!

So far so good. I have two babies who are growing fast. And they are tough kids so there's nothing could stop them!!

Bluebird blessings, Linda...
dzyg
17 years ago
Congrats on the two babies Linda, sorry about the other three. Hey I need a sign like that in my yard too! (wink!) May your yard be house wren free this year!

Donna
lisa11310
17 years ago
Wow amazing...parts is parts! Had your knee REPLACED! Im gonna be 50 on Sunday...theres lots I would like to have "replaced" BTW Linda arnt you one of the late April Birthdays? I think Harold is too...and I cant remember either Janie May or Cathy....seems I always get a birthday egg and a few others in here do to....See age is kicking in no memory! LOL
bbcathy
17 years ago
Lisa the other one besides you and Harold who has a birthday is Bet. I remember from 3 years ago I named an egg after each one of you bc each egg was laid on your birthdays. If Harold is Friday and yours is Sunday then Bet's is Saturday. I know they were right in a row. We don't want to forget about Bet!!! I did name one of them after Janie because she sent me some calcium powder to help out after I lost my papa bird.
Cathy
lcmoore99
Original Author
17 years ago
Lisa,
yep, I have a bionic knee! It was a very VERY brutal recovery (still recovering). It was only in the last 2 months that I finally said I was glad I had it done.

Lisa, I'm early April, April 10th to be specific.

So Harold's is today and Bet's is tomorrow and Lisa Sunday?

Happy Birthday to each of you!!!

Speaking of names, I need names for my "Dynamic Duo". Batman and Robin is too obvious. Ideas???

Bluebird blessings, Linda...
anita55
17 years ago
The first thing I thought of is Thelma and Louise - they were tough chicks, weren't they? LOL. So many spring birthdays, me too, but mine is the 18th of May, more like fledge time for many of us than egg time. Happy birthday to all the spring ladies and gents!
lcmoore99
Original Author
17 years ago
Lisa,
yep, I have a bionic knee! It was a very VERY brutal recovery (still recovering). It was only in the last 2 months that I finally said I was glad I had it done.

Lisa, I'm early April, April 10th to be specific.

So Harold's is today and Bet's is tomorrow and Lisa Sunday?

Happy Birthday to each of you!!!

Speaking of names, I need names for my "Dynamic Duo". Batman and Robin is too obvious. Ideas???

Bluebird blessings, Linda...
lisa11310
17 years ago
Well see there Linda I knew yours was near egg laying time.
I'm losing it but it's not gone yet!

5 eggs, 3 hatch, 1 chick didn't make it

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5 eggs, 3 hatch, 1 chick didn't make it

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