Cracked Egg

[Disheygirl]

I have three day old shipped hatching eggs in the incubator and because I couldn’t keep my grubby little hands off them, I cracked one. No liquid so I put second skin on it, but the crack is pretty significant. Also took it off the turner and in a corner so I can control the turns manually.

Not looking for “these things happen” or “not your fault” - I just needed to share that even at almost 50 years old, I still learn lessons the hard way. Like, they say not to candle until right before lockdown with shipped eggs but here I am three days in and can’t control myself. Annoying and I feel horrible.

Any other ideas better than second skin? Melted wax seems hot and could penetrate (plus, I only have scented candles), nail polish - isn’t there formaldehyde? Appreciate any other ideas!

 

[BoundlessLove]

I’ve used nail polish on shipped eggs needing some tlc.
Nail polish has worked for my incubating experiences.
Also, seen posts on here about people using wax.
Wishing you well with your hatch!

 

[kattabelly]

I've had success with silicone sealant, even when there was a big dent (but membrane intact) rather than just a hairline crack.

 

[Disheygirl]

I've had success with silicone sealant, even when there was a big dent (but membrane intact) rather than just a hairline crack.

Like silicone caulk? I may try that!! It’s still viable so I want to give it the best chance!

 

[The Rinaest Rina]

I have an egg in lockdown right now that I dropped at about day 10. Like you, I couldn't keep my grubby hands off of them. I dripped candle wax on the cracks, which were also extensive, and let her set.
I also worried about the heat, but I dripped some on my hand too accidentally and it didn't burn, but cooled immediately. It was just a big confetti number 1 birthday candle- you could borrow one from just about anyone if you don't have one on hand.
About it clogging the pores, well, I think wax is a bit thicker than that and won't penetrate far enough to hurt the chick, unless it's laced with a toxic thing that could seep in deeper, but that too might stay on the outskirts of the shell and might not be enough to kill.
The other concern is oxygen. Does the wax block that? I just hope what isn't covered is enough.
I thought the chick was dead, but just now when they went into lockdown I couldn't really see anything- either things are terribly cloudy because of spoiling or she kept growing and now almost filled out the shell. Her healthy siblings seem to be the same way (almost completely filling up the membrane so I can hardly see anything but the air cell).
Ill let her set and see.

 

[PeaShack]

I have successfully used steristrips in the past and removed them for lockdown. My hen, Shaggy, turned, 2 in January! Her egg was cracked on arrival (shipped eggs).