High death rate

[guidofatherof5]

As many of you know this Summer at the T.radix Ranch was a busy birthing time. Most births were from rescued mothers. At one point I was feeding 20 different groups or babies and a couple of those were blended families since I was out of room. Most of the babies have survived and are doing well. I was not able to save them all and have lost a few out of each group.
The exception would be a group that I believe has suffered from some kind of developmental/genetic issue. Out of a large group of 26, 23 have passed away. Today I saw the passing of a little girl I named Funny Face. She was born with a facial deformity that effected her right side. To be honest it was funny in any way but I had hoped to raise her into adulthood so that any kind of surgery to help her would be more likely. She was a little fighter. She had to be fed away from the others and would only eat guppies, unless I tricked her with a couple pieces of worm I had put into the mix. I thought she was over the hump and was going to make it. What's left of this group seem to be doing well but I just don't have high hopes.

[jitami]

Sorry to hear about funny face & her siblings... I remember you talking about her in the past. It could be anything from genetics to lack of nutrition by the mom. I'd definitely make it a point to prevent the remaining three plus mom from breeding in the future, just in case, tho. Good luck with the remaining three...

[wadih]

Sorry for the loss; however, I am sure all the babies are enjoying the treatment in the ranch...
Hopefully all of them will be raised till adulthood and till they have their own babies...
Good luck in all of your work

[guidofatherof5]

I just lost another one. She came out ate like a pig yesterday. This morning I found her dead. It looks like this group never stood a chance. Too many things against them. With 2 left I even less optimistic for their survival.

[drache]

that so sad
sometimes they just don't have enough to pull through the winter - even if you give them everything
I've got a few right now that are that are not eating enough to put on weight

[gregmonsta]

It's sad to hear that mate. Sometimes there's no fighting nature.

[jitami]

That is so rough, Steve. I'm sorry

[wadih]

That is bad news, hopefully the left 2 can make it...

[mustang]

ouch sorry to hear that... this seems to be a hereditary thing so you might want to seperate the male and female that made this group and holdem back to see of its more than just a few individuals

[Snaky]

It's always sad to hear, but this does occur. Also when seemingly the young ones eat well, grow well and look healthy, they can suddenly die after a few months. I can't think of another reason that indeed inside them something must have been wrong and that you can not do much about it... I hope the last 2 will survive.