I'm trying to incubate 3 eggs, and two of them are (somehow?) cracked now... Toss 'em, or will they still develop?
It depends on how far along they are and how severe the damage. If they're more than half way along they stand at least a decent chance. If the cracks are tiny, fine, spiderweb cracks it's not as bad. If the eggs are leaking fluid it's probably all over. I've tried to incubate dented, shipped eggs and they haven't worked, either rotting right away or starting a bit then dying. OTOH, I had 2 duck eggs rescued from a wild duck's nest where the hen was killed in the night by a predator that had cracks completely around the middle circumference but with no leak of fluid, and roughly at the halfway point, and I just put scotch tape around them and both hatched successfully.
I dunno about scotch tape, but I know a lot of people will use plain-color unscented candle wax to repair cracks. Some report success in doing this, some report it was doomed from the start. Either way, they have a better chance of withstanding bacterial infection if you can patch them up as soon as possible. What sort of eggs are they and what day is it in their incubation?
Quote:I have 1 on lockdown right now that's patched with plain white candle wax. It can work. It doesn't always, but it's worth a shot!
I agree, if the cracks are not severe nor they are leaking, patch 'em with some candle wax and give it a try. Never give up on life when there is still a fighting chance (or at least that is my view)
Quote:Usually I don't quote myself, but I wanted to give you an update on my patched egg. It hatched! Give the wax a try.....you just may be surprised.
I wish I had asked that question as i had one of these that was developing great and then I notice a crack. Didn't have the heart to toss it and the chick thrived until the air sac reached the crack. If I had know to patch it maybe I could have saved it. I can learn more from here than an encyclopedia!
