Rfalconcam Forum

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live# (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live#)

Very interesting how they get through that hard shell!!

http://youtu.be/MtJMXNU_ltg (http://youtu.be/MtJMXNU_ltg)

Success!



Welcome to the world Pip!

I watched them take her out of the egg this am! She was pooped and the egg was so thick! Very cute baby!

                 :clap:

   

Look at those silly little wings  :wub:

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/8-20Pip_zps0990e2ad.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/8-20Pip_zps0990e2ad.jpg.html) She needed a bigger box already!!

              :o

Born 8:42 AM 8-18-2013

1.110 kilograms (2.447 pounds)
11 inches tall

Ostrich Egg Cam Live! on USTREAM: Birthing video 3 minutes [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQehyKp6DYk#]The Birth of Pip 8-18-13! :-) (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live#) Summary video of entire hatching 12...[/url]

Thank you for making these incredible videos
.To answer various questions
August 19, 2013
Pip is very healthy and doing great
She (and by 'she' I mean I don't know the gender) is beginning to drink water, the spoon in the waterer is shiny and attracts her attention. Ostrich chicks need to be taught to drink water. At first we used the spoon. (syringes are hazardous in a chick, too much water and she need to learn how to drink) She will begin eating chick starter in a day or two.

She stays warm with the red glow from a heat lamp, the temperature is 90 degrees on the left and 93 degrees on the right with the teddy bear. She does have two toes, the smaller toe is pressed up against her main toe and does not separate much yet. She really responds when we walk in and runs to the side of the box to see us and get some attention. We will stop using gloves soon, when she matures enough to eat regular food we will probably stop.

She appreciates being held and talked to. Its hard for me to leave her.

http://youtu.be/YS0etjivUs4 (http://youtu.be/YS0etjivUs4)  Pip learns to drink water.

What a precious baby!   :heart:

Just read on FB that Pip passed away this AM. RIP little one. :sorrow:

Oh no!  Did they report the cause of death?   :crying:

This was said in their posting about Pip's passing:


"Pip passed away this morning around 8 AM. She seemed fine yesterday. I Don't know why,

 I heard her "trill" to me at 7 AM, softly, thought she was just sleepy so I let her rest.

 We are all devastated. To me Pip was not just a pet, but a loving friend and a miracle. I do thank God for allowing me the one week with Pip, she was amazing.

 Her remains will be sent to the State for an investigation. I would like to know what happened.

 I am postulating a possible respiratory infection or the chick food did not agree with her." `LGK`

 :(

OMG!!!! Poor baby, maybe they just didn't know how to raise a baby Ostrich!! She was pretty wild in that box. So sad. I watched every day except today. Was out all day.  :heart:

From the Dash family about Pip  ~LGK~ ... "Dear Friends:

Thank you for your thoughts and concern, I read many of the tributes, poetry, and gestures of sympathy. They were beautiful. Thank you for your best wishes.

I heard that many of you are worried about our family.

I was super depressed, felt gutted, had a hole in my stomach feeling yesterday, I am better today.
We I have taken hits and losses before, but this one was tough.
Our daughter has been kept busy and is not vocalizing grief any more. We are healing. Thanks

We do miss Pip, she was just so cute, and full of life, and made the sweetest sounds. You cannot replace the weeks spent incubating and turning the egg, and the excitement to see the candling development and the first crack, and the first trilling sounds. She was a gift, and we fully appreciate the time she was with us. We loved her when she was just an egg. To see a wonderful creature come out of that egg was magical.
Hearing that my mother's got joy from logging on and watching Pip made me happy, and I am sorry that pleasure is now gone.

A friend, Beverly, sent along a beautiful quote:

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened"

As far as what happened, the preliminary examination is that there was an intestinal infection. A final report will be available from the State lab in a few weeks.

I spoke with a couple of ostrich breeders today to see what may have been done differently. I felt a great relief for my conscience when I was told I did nothing wrong.

They said that ostrich chicks are the hardest hatchlings to mature successfully. One breeder had 5 chicks a couple of weeks ago, and none survived. Last year she had 25 chicks, and 15 survived, and she thought this was fair to good. They felt that although this was not for anyone with no training, experience or even the proper equipment, they said that I was persistent and did everything possible.
I used the same feed the breeders use for newborn chicks. I suggested they use medicated (antibiotic containing) feed, and they thought that was a good idea and may try it next time.

We were generously offered ostrich chicks that are hatching soon. I'm not sure if this is the right time or even if we are prepared to take this emotional roller coaster again.

Again, thank you for being so wonderful to us, I am very impressed with all of your kindness.

Love,
Dash"

 :'(

Three new Ostrich eggs (estimated hatched date of October 12, 2013) ~ Update - September 2013: "Pip passed away after one week of wonderful life on August 25, 2013 from complications of intestinal infection and retained yolk sac. Of course we were all devastated by this.

As part of our healing process, our family went a road trip to an ostrich ranch in central California. The rancher was incredibly nice, plainspoken, and spent a couple of hours with us, showing us around and explaining his way of raising these birds.

Although he doesn’t sell fertile eggs to the public to be hatched, he was very understanding of our family’s loss, and gave us three eggs. I understand that they do better in groups, they are social animals. He was reluctant to do this for us because he had some doubts about their viability, especially since it was the end of the season for laying and those eggs don’t usually do so well, and these were a bit small and one was misshapen. I said I would give it my best try.

I showed him my new incubator that I built, (version 1.2 since I threw the original one away.) Basically a cardboard box, with a clothing rod with a sink basket bolted onto it so I did not have to open the box to turn the eggs. A heat lamp and a thermostat. He said he’s never seen anything like it, and thought it should work fine even though it was obviously rigged together from available parts around the house.

The countdown to 42 days begins when you put the eggs in the incubator, which I did on August 31, 2013 at 9 PM. This gives us an estimated hatched date of October 12, 2013.

My hope is that I could continue my journey, to watch ostrich chicks hatch and raise them until they were too big to be manageable at our home. I would have some nice places for them to go if we could no longer keep them. My top choice is the LA zoo since at this time they only have one ostrich, an older male with arthritis.

So I took some initial candling pictures, and tonight I took pictures of the candling for day four, and already I see progress. Unfortunately I still can’t determine which side has the air sac, so the eggs are still in a temporary cardboard carton that I made for them to stay on their sides until they develop enough to show their air sac. If we get a Facebook page together for this new ostrich project, I will post the pictures and updates.

I found that taking the trip to the ostrich farm, building a new incubator, and getting to know these three new eggs has helped me feel better. It also eased my conscience when the experienced rancher advised me that I did not do anything wrong while raising Pip" ... Cam: Baby Ostrich Cam Live! on USTREAM: Pip's Birthing Video! (3 min) Summary Video of Entire Hatching (12 min) Thank you for making these incredible videos! ... (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live#) ~LGK~

   (http://www.picgifs.com/bird-graphics/bird-graphics/ostrich/bird-graphics-ostrich-956763.gif) (http://www.picgifs.com/bird-graphics/)

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live# (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live#)

Cam is Live on the 3 eggs!

The Real PIP Ostrich Page
Day 24, less than 3 weeks to hatch
Everything looks OK so far.
Incubator from the top, and showing that the air cell is expanding normally.
The white of the egg is almost all used up. Feathers are forming and nails
are on toes.

I don't have names yet, but I have nicknamed the eggs
28 Miss Perfect (on the right in the cam, the Facebook pictures may not be
in order
29 Rascal (in center on cam)
30 Goofy (tall one on left in cam)

From the necropsy report it was determined that Pip was a male and he did pass away from infection and an unabsorbed yolk sac. Dash is planning on not handling the new ones as much and doing some things differently. He may even get them a newborn chicken chick for a playmate.

Update from Dash:

Today at 9:56 AM
October 12, 2013 Update

8:00 AM
Yesterday the egg on the far right, # 28, nicknamed for now “Miss Perfect” began to show internal movement. She pipped into the air cell (internal pipping), and you could see her head moving during candling. I do not like to candle for long because the light is so bright for her eyes. I oriented the egg so the head is facing the camera, so a crack (external pip) would be facing your view, about 1/3 the way down from the top of the egg.

I placed a microphone that is leaning on the egg, with the gain all the way up. Because of the fan in the hatcher there is a background hum. But you can hear occasional scratching, pecking and even a chirp, chortle or kick.

The other two eggs have not shown movement in the air cell, so they are a day behind. They are warm/ generating heat, so it’s OK, they are just behind schedule, which is very typical for eggs. It’s not as predictable as the weather J

Also, If you have sound problems, suggestions include clearing your browser cache and reloading the page.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live# (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live#)  Cam

Miss Perfect is hatching!  Middle egg has a crack now!

2 hatches-1 to go!   :2thumbsup:

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/12hatch_zps268761a1.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/12hatch_zps268761a1.jpg.html) waiting on the little Rascal in the back! Hope they do better this time.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Special report
Day 8
October 20, 2013 at 11:00 PM

Skippy was not thriving, she was not eating or drinking, and was lethargic. This afternoon I tried:

Putting drops of water on her beak with an eye dropper
Putting bowls of food in the heat lamp area (which I expanded by getting a second heat lamp) so she would not have to move to get food and water.
Putting food granules on the floor around her
Putting minced lettuce around her
She did not really respond, and so I contacted the avian veterinarian specialist (who I have been updating on these chicks) and she made an emergency night call. (I turned off the camera while she was here).
After assessing Skippy, she decided that tube feedings with recovery fluids were in order, and started her on flagyl antibiotic. She taught me how to do the tube feedings and loaned me her steel feeding tube and other supplies.
I will be doing tube feeding 5 times a day until Skippy is eating and drinking vigorously on her own. I will continue the antibiotics for 7 to 14 days.
Hopefully she will rally and start going strong again. (And I do not know the gender of any of these chicks, I just call them "She")

Day 9 at 5:00 AM
October 21, 2013

Skippy passed away at 4:45 today.
She had her second tube feeding at 2 AM. She was weaker and less responsive, but took the feeding. She was asleep and her siblings were next to her.

           RIP little one.  :sorrow:

Oh so sad. I don't think he should be raising baby O's, they are very sensitive and need momma!! What a shame.  :crying:

I agree, Donna.  Sometimes, nature is best. 

Day 11
October 23, 2013

Legs slipping from under them: A no friction mat was placed under the heat lamp so they would not slip and struggle to get up. (the bottom side of the beloved Sunflower mat)

Digestive system: They did gain weight this morning. This afternoon they lost weight.They only seem to drink from one watering bowl, which gets emptied rapidly, and they ignore the other 3 water containers.

Constipation issue: Almost no poop today, they may be constipated. They are walking gingerly, not looking like they want to burst out of the box with vigor.

Alfalfa: The kind and knowledgeable rancher suggested alfalfa buds from a bale, but all I could get at the local pet store this evening was Timothy rabbit pellets. They seemed to like that just fine.

Afternoon constitutional. He suggested letting them go walk outside in the sun. It is 65 degrees, and they got cold in 5 minutes, so when they started shivering I brought them back in. But hey were curious, unafraid, pecked at everything.

Hopefully the stimulation of the outside walk and the pseudo alfalfa pellets will get things moving.

Cool weather: This is very late to raise ostrich chicks. They need to be outside. Will try something soon so they can be warm and outside for a while.

I hope they survive!

What gave this guy the idea he could raise ostrich chicks anyways. Seems more like an experiment.  :gum:

CRAZY!!

Day 15 October 27, 2013
Moved to the outside enclosure

I’m not sure if they can tolerate this at night, we will monitor their temperatures and see.
They ate a bunch of stones but they seem okay.
They have not found the water or the food yet

Update on Rascals right leg: Right now I do not have a good solution. And it appears to be worsening.

The avian veterinarian considered the modified Robert Jones bandage, to be changed every few days. When she considered it though, she thought that correction at this point would be too stressful for the bird, immobilization will weaken the leg further. She was thinking some sort of physical therapy may help. I may try to suspend her in a harness so she doesn’t put her full weight on the leg and let her walk. (I have not heard back from the Dynasplint people to see if they would fashion something for her.). The avian vet cannot come out until Wednesday.

The box on the left has a heated mat and the heat lamp, and a Plexiglas window.
The box on the right has the food bowls and alfalfa.
I put a box under the water dispenser to keep mud/ splash down.

Anyway I hope to come up with a viable plan soon for Rascal’s leg, as she grows it will be harder to correct.

My question exactly! 

My thoughts too and I feel so bad for the one with the bad leg-limping more each time I watch. I don't remember it being deformed at first and have wondered if, when they were slipping on the floor they were walking on, he injured it. Dash thought it was "spraddle leg" at first so he taped both legs at the knee area, which kept unraveling and the other would pick at it.  Then he taped both legs together and the poor bird couldn't walk-kept falling down so he started to walk with his legs bent forward in front of him so that was removed. Dash was going to initially put sand down for them to walk on because it was more absorbant and they could get some traction for walking but all I could think of was they peck all the time and their gut would fill with sand.  He opted for dirt that had some stones in it, which he "tried" to pick out, but they did end up ingesting some along with the dirt. He has no idea what he's doing-trial and error.

I can't even watch anymore with that baby's leg the way it is! Leave the eggs to the mother's!! This is very sad! Unless you know EXACTLY how to raise an Ostrich or any species out of the norm, don't even try! Ahh, pulling my hair out on this one!!

Day 16 October 28, 2013

 New enclosure yesterday: They spent yesterday in the outside enclosure, and did very well. They are adjusting to the dirt, and the new location of the food and water. They ate so many small stones I was worried, but they seem to be fine. They seem to like the dirt.
 Kept them warm and cozy last night: Last night they looked fine in the heated box home, but with an abundance of caution I moved them indoors for the night. I am glad I did, it was 20 degrees warmer in the house, and they could roam around the old box whenever they wanted to get food and water and exercise. Outdoor they would have gotten chilled wandering around for food. Also they could rest easily as they may be a little anxious sleeping in a new house for the first night. The outdoor noises are different than the indoor noises. Tonight I may leave them out for a few more night hours, maybe 9:30 PM or so, and then take them in again.
 I was hoping to get a few months out of this enclosure, the rancher thinks I will get a few weeks.
 It’s cold now for small chicks: Right now in Southern California near the coast the night the temperature is in the 50s, during the day it is in the 60s. It was a little cold and windy today, so I put up the tarp to protect them a bit during the day. I have 4 temperature sensors in the heated house, and it has the two heat lamps and the heated pad under the no slip mat.
 This would be very late in the season for wild ostrich; they definitely have a season and do not have chicks in the fall or wintertime. They want the chicks to grow out in the spring and summer. So there is a lot of attention and concern now about the temperature. The kind and knowledgeable rancher does not raise chicks this time of year.
 The rancher also recommends covering up the window, he says that the chicks are comforted being in a dark secluded spot. Even though it is not that dark with the red light, having it blocked off will make them feel more secure (he thinks.).
 Rascal’s leg: I have a veterinarian appointment on Wednesday at 8 AM; the avian vet will try to devise some sort a splint with a hinge for Rascal’s right leg. I will be taking Popcorn along for comfort, these chicks are very close and it will be additional stress on them if I separate them.
 A lot of questions, so here is something from Wikipedia:
 Rascal’s problem is mostly in the tarsometatrsus.
 The tarsometatarsus is a bone that is only found in the lower leg of birds and certain non-avian dinosaurs.
 It is formed from the fusion of several bones found in other types of animals, and homologous to the mammalian tarsal (ankle) and metatarsal (foot) bones. Despite this, the tarsometatarsus of birds is often referred to as just the tarsus or metatarsus.

 I hope she tolerates whatever brace is devised.

It's tough for me to watch now.

I can't see the live stream and can't get our forum livestream either-2 black screens for a couple weeks now. :(

I think something is wrong!!  :devil:

Um I think you're right!  :stupid:

  I really hope he doesn't do this again! Poor Rascal.  :crying:

Day 22

Rascal’s right leg became worse. Her leg was deviating out more and more, and finally it was dragging behind her, with the joint going the wrong direction. Also the limp was worse.

The avian specialist did meet me at the hospital on Sunday afternoon. We discussed the options. Her experience with this sort of leg deformity was with parrots, and there isn’t any experience available on trying this procedure on an ostrich. This is new territory. She felt one option was euthanasia. I considered that, since more extensive splinting would be very difficult to tolerate for this ostrich. But I had to think about her sister Popcorn, who is so attached to her. We went ahead and did the more extensive splinting that would immobilize the bird.

Rascal cannot walk or move about. She is in a box, with her legs splinted/ casted. With parrots, they usually stay at the veterinarian’s office so that they can monitor them and tube feed them if necessary. But there’s no one at the veterinarian’s office at night.

I brought Rascal home and will keep an eye on her. She will need to be in the splint for maybe one or two weeks. Since this has not been done before we don’t know.

So far it’s not going very well. She’s very uncomfortable and struggles. After she’s exhausted from struggling she just rests. She is not taking food or water. Her sister Popcorn is upset, although they are in clear view of each other, they can’t really contact each other by touch.

I am keeping them indoors. I am not putting the cam on them right now, they are convalescing. Hopefully they will be better in the morning.

I just read this on FB and it's heartbreaking.  Dash had splinted the leg for a few days and Rascal was doing pretty well with it but Dash had to go away for 3 days, leaving the splint off during that time.  I watched her leg get worse over the weekend and yesterday it looked like it was twisting towards the back, she was limping really bad and stumbling.  I know how attached these 2 babies are but I think it might be time to let Rascal go.  Time will tell...

I say, "DON'T DO THIS AGAIN!"

 :ditto:

I was just watching the cam and it looks like Rascal is in a sling in a balcony above the box where Popcorn is.  She was eating pretty good from her food dish and Rascal was standing close to her, often eating some of Rascal's food.  When Popcorn walks to the other end of the box though, Rascal will get quite restless. Will have to wait for an update to see if she got too upset with the casts and they've been removed or she's still casted and in the sling to help her stay upright. Poor thing...

November 6, 2013
Day 25, day 4 of splint
Rascal is comfortable in the new box

I thought she was distressed from being immobilize, but I think partially she may have been uncomfortable. The original support using towels around her legs was not very good, and the puppy harness did not work out well.

I made a hammock -like sling for her to rest her entire body on, with a hole so her legs would go through. This was with soft foam, and covered with a towel to make it more breathable. The back part is covered with a disposable pad. I also put a side opening so that I can observe her legs and check them for pressure and swelling on the side.

Rascal immediately relaxed and seemed to enjoy it. Also Popcorn was able to come up and get close to her, and start grooming her. I did put a box next to Rascal with a towel on it if Popcorn wanted to snuggle, but Popcorn got too nervous on the platform so that didn’t work out.

I gave Rascal three tube feedings yesterday, and one tube feeding this morning, but I think she’s going to start eating now. I am feeling better about this now, since she’s not in distress and has a place to rest her head. I attached some pictures of the box being constructed.







  This looks like the best set-up so far! Rascal seems comfortable!  Still!!!!

Boy they sure grow fast!  :gum:

Rascal’s splinting was not successful. In fact things could not be much worse.

When the splint was removed, her right leg went to the exact same position as it was before, and she had the same difficulty. In addition to no improvement, she lost over 100 g, while Popcorn had gained 500 g. So in addition to no improvement with the splinting, her distress and discomfort caused her to lose weight.

The vet tried some smaller splints just to hold the leg in, so it would not drag behind her and she could not tuck it underneath her. No matter what size splint was applied, she would not eat, and was distressed. She did not want to be bound at all.

So far all treatment has been unsuccessful. The initial watching for a few days after hatching to see if she would improve on her own failed. The short brace that she used for one week failed. This more aggressive splinting of both legs with an attempt to bring the leg in failed, and caused her stress and weight loss. An additional splint attempted today failed.

X-rays were taken, and these were e-mailed to an avian surgical specialist, in Oakley. This is to see if there would be a surgery, such as bringing over a tendon or ligament and screwing it to a different location, would be helpful. My status is that I am awaiting word from him to see if there is a surgical option.

If it is an option, we would consider it. If it is not an option the choices are to allow her to try to adjust and walk with a failing leg. (The kind and knowledgeable rancher said that this could happen.) I would get the opinion from the doctor in Oakley if this was a possibility, or futile.

A personal comment: To people who are wondering why I would do this to Rascal, please understand I am trying to help this bird. Of course my stomach was in a knot when I watched her struggling, and I feel terrible that my attempts to help her have not been successful so far. Dissenting opinions about all this, (presented in a civil manner), are understandable.  :(

No surgery possible, plan is self-rehab and physical therapy.
A number of specialists have gone over Rascal’s case. The local veterinary surgeon specialist examined Rascal today and said that they cannot do anything.
The Avian expert from Oakley has raised ostriches himself. He reviewed the e-mailed x-rays and discussed the case with my avian veterinarian by phone. He has performed dozens of orthopedic procedures on angular limb deformities in birds. However for a number of reasons there is almost no success rate. This would involve osteotomy, external fixation, and these frequently break down especially with such thin small bones that are still growing, with disastrous results. It is not a simple matter of moving a tendon over and tightening it to rotate the leg in the correct orientation. He does not give a very good prognosis for Rascal.
The GOOD news is that Rascal is eating very well and appears healthy otherwise. My veterinarian, who has not given up, has tried a number of substrates and found that if she had footing that had bumps in it, she was able to get her foot against it and could stand up. Rascal was found standing this morning. This is with a memory foam type mattress that sort of looks like an egg crate. My plan is to obtain this type of mattress, and put it in the box that is her house where she would sleep and allow her some help to get up. Otherwise she can walk in the dirt, as she needs to learn how to walk on that surface. She needs a LOT more exercise and walking.
On Tuesday I will discuss with the Oakley avian specialist what a rehab program would entail to help Rascal learn to walk in the most optimal position.
In summary, the plan is:
I will bring the ostriches home tonight,
I will do some final raccoon proofing measures, including a trap.
I will wait for her to gain some strength and weight with free feeding
Physical therapy and gait training next week (when I learn how to do it.)
The kind and knowledgeable Rancher did give me some very good advice for Popcorn, which I do not need at this time since Rascal is coming home.
It was a little strange last night without the ostriches. My kids asked over and over again when they were coming back, I think they were suspicious.

SAD NEWS:

November 27, 2013
Day at vet

Rascal and popcorn spent the day at the vet, I dropped them off at 8 AM and came at 430 PM. It was unfortunate, but there was nothing more that could be done for Rascal. Her leg had progressed, and attempts to try to splint would not align it properly. Also there are some early signs of joint damage. The prospects after any surgery were very dim, there was no splint that would correct her properly. The decision was made that it would be humane to stop here. We all said good-bye to Rascal.

Popcorn is in with Buffy and Ginger, the two friendliest chickens, to keep Popcorn company. They are 7 months old, Buff Orpingtons. I made a bed of alfalfa for everyone.

  RIP Rascal!  :heart:

 :crying:

After watching Rascal walk in the harness Dash had her in the last few days, he did the right thing.  RIP Rascal-your frustration and suffering with that leg is now over.  :sorrow:

December 1, 2013 Sunday 9:45 PM

The kind and knowledgeable rancher found a home for Popcorn, about two hours from here. The adopting family are animal lovers. The new home is a ranch with many younger ostriches in a 75 foot pen with a central barn. He will always treat Popcorn special, she is a pet. He will be careful how he integrates her in with the rest of the ostriches.When she outgrows the pen she will be moved to a larger pen with some of her friends.

Popcorn will be leaving tomorrow (Monday) around noon for the next part of her adventure. I am happy for her, this is the best thing for her and she will develop normally.

So after noon Popcorn will say thank you and good-bye. There will not be anything to broadcast after that. I will post updates after I return tomorrow.

I have met some incredible people and I want to thank the people following this for their heartfelt support and kindness.

I really don't think he should try this again, too stressful and sad! MO!

I agree Donna!  :gum:

At least get good at it before setting up a webcam.

I agree and he really needs a bigger yard. Obviously they are not easy to raise!

Posted by Catwoman over at BCAW:

The end of the Ostrich story.   

December 2, 2013 1:00 AM
Popcorn injured by raccoon, had to be put to sleep immediately at vets.

At 11:40 a pair of raccoons were in the yard, and one reached underneath the corner of the cage and somehow got Popcorn on the right leg. She managed to pull away, but the injury was severe and she was taken to an emergency vet clinic nearby and immediately humanely euthanized.

I was called by the mods, whom I would like to thank as well as the cam watchers or else Popcorn may have been hurt for hours.

It must have been a blind grab for over 4 inches, I was warned to put mesh into the ground and floor but I did not.

Just read that on FB!! OMG, he was not prepared as of yet! Sad sad sad!! This just breaks my heart!!  Not meant to be! RIP...PIP....RASCAL and POPCORN!! NO more please!!!!!

Very very sad  :crying:

Heartbreaking news to read this AM. RIP little Popcorn, Rascal and Skippy (passed away 8 days after hatching).   :sorrow:

Dash needs to STOP doing this! End of story!!!   :thumbsdown:   :sorrow:

Damn!  :crying:  Yesterday (and now I couldn't find it) it was posted Popcorn was going to a place with other baby ostriches about his age and would be loved and considered a pet, not for other uses.  I think it was at least an hour and a half away?  It's too bad the eggs hatched, the breeder didn't know if they even would.  Maybe the one that was shaped weird should have been thrown out.  Meanwhile I will say Dash sure tried and didn't skimp on $ to help them.  I wish he'd give up after this too.  :(

What I didn't like to see after all this was in today's post:

...............I decided I am going to go ahead and drive out and meet the ostrich hatcher. I have the afternoon off anyway, and I could use the time alone in the car to relax and think. Also I am looking forward to seeing a group of young ostriches that are healthy and happy. I will take pictures and report back to you.
In addition to being therapeutic, this will be an educational opportunity, so I can consider what might happen next year. I do love hatching and raising ostriches, but I will have to step up my game to limit the amount of tragedy that is associated with this. I regret bringing nice people like you into this, and then having so many problems. If I do decide to try again, it will be better. Including a place where the older ostriches can go so you can come visit them. My next update will be with photographs of the ostrich hatchery............

Absolutely, MAK.  I've thought that for a long time, but this honest admission sealed it for me:  "I was warned to put mesh into the ground and floor but I did not."   :crying: >:(

Nooooooooooooo!!!   

 :ditto: :no:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=631874436898477&id=498324633586792 (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=631874436898477&id=498324633586792)  Now he is incubating 5 eggs!!  :o

Oh, dear Lord! :surprise:

 :rolleyes: :no: :thumbsdown:

Leo passed away around 1130pm last night. Dash buried her in the garden. Aries is on her way home to be with her relatives at the ranch. Dash decided it was the best thing for her.

August 1, 2014, Day 20, Leo has surgery, is OK

This morning at 1:30 AM there was a red protrusion from Leo's rear,
basically her bottom had fallen out. I took her to the vet in the morning,
my regular bird veterinarian was at a conference, and her associate could
not reduce the prolapse. I was referred to an exotic animal hospital.

They did not like the car rides, it took a while for them to understand if
they set them they would be better often trying to stand. They were calm
though. I kept the box lid open so that they could see me.

Many things can cause this prolapse of the cloaca, such as impaction and
dehydration. Leo had to be asleep during the procedure, and four sutures
were placed to make sure that the cloaca did not prolapse again. You cannot
make it too tight, she still needs to defecate. The sutures will be removed
in four or five days. She was also given antibiotics, pain medication and
fluids. Minimal blood loss. Overall a pretty rough day for Leo.

Normally they would keep the animal overnight, but with these birds the
avian vet thought they would be less stressed in their own home. Aries
stayed close by Leo before, during and after surgery. The vet remarked how
the sister was a comfort and looked after Leo, and kept her calm.

If Leo does not drink adequate liquids initially I am going to give tube
feedings of water over the next few days.

Leo seems to be on her way to recovery, still a bit groggy right now.

Give it up, you can't raise a baby Ostrich!!  :(

"Give it up, you can't raise a baby Ostrich!!"

That's right Donna-they need their mother to raise them! Please STOP it Dash!!!!!  :no: :nono: :thumbsdown:

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/Aries_zps9f5a3dc0.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/Aries_zps9f5a3dc0.jpg.html)

Finally, we get to see one grow up and survive. This is Aries, who is being raised at an Ostrich farm!  :thumbsup:   from fb

Fantastic!  :clap:

'Tis.

did Leo die?

Leo did pass away..the whole saga is posted on the Aug. 3rd post on here, just above.

you know I read that article, all but the first line apparently sorry I hope he doesn't try again

So do a lot of us, BC.

Hi! I went to visit the Kind Rancher Joel Saturday. WE had breakfast, Ralph danced for me, and Joel gave me 4 eggs (and a bonus egg that probably was not fertile, but I did not have the heart to not give it a try). Eggs were started June 13, 2015, should hatch around July 25, 2015 (42 day incubationat 97.5 degrees). Ustream Baby Ostrich Cam is where the incubator is, I turned on Chat. Dash.

Not again!!  :stupid:

Ugh.

 :thumbsdown:

http://youtu.be/P0BcsFSkGVk (http://youtu.be/P0BcsFSkGVk)

This guy needs help!! How many has he killed already??? GIVE IT UP!!! Let the momma's take care of their own eggs!! He never learns!!!  :stupid:

Why the hell did he poke a hole in that egg!? The chic would do it when it's ready!!! Ugh! :nono:

The Real PIP Ostrich Page - Tuesday day 45: "The other eggs are gone. Gunga is healthy.
After a night in the incubator, and candling today there was no progress with the three eggs. No movement has been observed for days.
I spoke with Kind Rancher Joel, and we decided to proceed with opening the other 3 eggs. None were alive, they had stopped developing. . Kind Rancher has been having problems this year too. None of these would have survived in nature, and Gunga is a little miracle
Kind Rancher has chicks the same age so I will take Gunga to them so she can be in her new environment and with family and friends as soon as possible. As you know ostriches cannot survive alone, they fail to thrive without a social contact.
Gunga will join Aries when she gets bigger.
I am disappointed of course, but it’s OK, we did our best with these eggs. I do not think going in earlier would have improved the outcome, there was something wrong.
I am happy for Gunga. Thanks for all your kinds words, and my daughter thanks so many of you for buying and enjoying her Pip the Ostrich book.
I will give another update tonight. Here is a photo of Gunga this morning. She looks great."

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/7-28%20Gubga_zpscflyo40a.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/7-28%20Gubga_zpscflyo40a.jpg.html)