Cracked Incubating Egg, Embryo Still Alive!

[UrbanHomesteadTX]

It's day 7 today, so I started candling my eggs in the incubator and made the shocking discovery that one of my eggs is cracked! It was almost impossible to see on the shell until I candled it. (I do inspect all of my eggs thoroughly before placing in the incubator. I think the crack may have occurred during placement, or some accidental movement since) Imagine my surprise to see the embryo developing and moving!

(Candle shot isn't very good due to poor light. I usually use my phone for candling(Has a much stronger light), but went with what I had in order to get a pic of the crack)

Now, I know I've seen other people have been able to still hatch cracked eggs. Is there any advice on what I can do to give this egg the best possibility of survival? How likely is it that it will survive in an egg that's been cracked very early on?

Open to any constructive advice!

 

[janiedoe]

In my humble opinion, using nail polish is not a good idea. Nail polish has a strong odor.
I've put a large bandaid over a bad crack and the chick hatched strong and healthy.
Good luck with your incubation!

 

[amandam1903]

I've seen some other folks had luck with candle wax! Let me know how it goes! I would think removing it may cause more damage depending on the crack, but looks like using nail polish may be a good option for any future accidents.

So cool! My crack is a hairline, so tiny. I'm going to candle again in a couple of days and if the crack is bigger maybe add polish too.

 

[My15Ducks]

Good luck!

I had a duck egg with multiple small cracks, and it hatched just fine!

 

[UrbanHomesteadTX]

Update: Day 15 today, candling showed great development! It's on track with the rest of the clutch! Am happy to report movement.

They're due to hatch on the 20th, so I'm going to be keeping an eye on our little cracked eggy. I'm gonna be sure to monitor when it pips and starts to zip to make sure the nail polish doesn't get in the way. With any luck, no Assistance needed

 

[amandam1903]

Update: Day 15 today, candling showed great development! It's on track with the rest of the clutch! Am happy to report movement.

They're due to hatch on the 20th, so I'm going to be keeping an eye on our little cracked eggy. I'm gonna be sure to monitor when it pips and starts to zip to make sure the nail polish doesn't get in the way. With any luck, no Assistance needed

I am excited to know how it goes. I am candling mine again tomorrow day 14 and hoping still kicking!

 

[UrbanHomesteadTX]

I am excited to know how it goes. I am candling mine again tomorrow day 14 and hoping still kicking!

Good luck to you as well! Just put them on lockdown and she was still a wigglin in the egg! Hoping for good results!

 

[AngelAnela]

Eggs are porous. I hope you get a healthy chick. Nail polish is so toxic. I await after the 20th to find out how it did. Good luck though.

 

[UrbanHomesteadTX]

Did some more reading and saw most people came to the conclusion of using nail polish or candle wax or some sort. Went with what I (apparently) had available and found a bottle of nail polish hidden at the back of one of my shelves. Did a quick coat on the crack marks and put it back in the incubator. After its had some time I'll add another coat and check my work, and Make sure I didnt miss anything

(Edit: Though now when I walk by the incubator it disturbingly looks like its covered in blood )

 

[The crazy Poultry hoarder]

Is the egg still alive