From elation to devastation. Over the last few days, the two viable eggs at Slimbridge successfully hatched producing two perfect looking Spoon-billed Sandpiper chicks. The chicks seemed to do well initially but their health deteriorated and within 60 hours of hatching both chicks died.
The viable egg from the first clutch hatched at 9 am on Saturday (2 July) surprising us all with how quickly it hatched. Spoon-billed Sandpipers normally take 24–36 hours to completely hatch but with the first break in the eggshell appearing at 7 am, this feisty, little chick managed it in just two hours. As far as we could tell, the chick was healthy and behaving normally – tired from the effort of hatching and still wet from the egg, the chick understandably wanted a rest. It soon dried out and regained some energy and began exploring.
The next day, on Sunday, the other viable egg, from the second clutch, hatched just after 10 am. Again all looked good. Nothing obvious to worry about – although we were always aware that the first few days would be the most challenging and that it would be difficult to breathe easy until the chicks were walking around strongly and feeding well. But we were elated – two healthy-looking chicks from two eggs in two days.
The second Spoon-billed Sandpiper egg hatching at WWT Slimbridge, 3 July 2016. Photo by Ben Cherry/WWT.
Later that day, the first chick developed a leg problem and its health gradually deteriorated. On Monday afternoon the chick sadly died. The second chick, however, seemed to be thriving and developing well. But yesterday, despite round-the-clock expert care, this chick also took a turn for the worse, deteriorating quickly and slipping away within a couple of hours. We are devastated.
The causes of death are as yet unknown. Both chicks have been sent for specialist post mortem which we hope will reveal why these chicks failed to survive and help us prevent the same problem in future.
We are trying to remember that despite its crushing end, this year has seen the first eggs, the first fertile eggs and the first hatchlings for captive Spoon-billed Sandpipers – a year that should still be celebrated although it’s going to take some time before we can reflect on it with a sense of celebration.
Our hopes are now pinned on efforts in Russia. The same day the first chick hatched at Slimbridge, 4,500 miles away the first chick also hatched at base camp in Meinypil’gyno, followed closely by its three brood mates. There’ll be a full update soon on developments from the field. We’re hoping the next update from Roland will lift our spirits! Stay tuned.
So sorry to hear this. Hope you can find out why. Best of luck with the project overall. It is so worthwhile. Keep positive.
So sorry to hear this sad news so much hard work has been put in by your team. Keep trying this is such a adorable and precious little bird, maybe a breakthrough will be made next time.
SO sorry to here this sad news but well done on getting two chicks hatched and looking healthy before dying. Congratulations to the Slimbridge team on this incredible achievement. I am sorry the chicks did not go all the way but you must have learned SO much from watching the proper breeding behaviour and next year know so much more than you did this.
Helena