Cracked shell, can it be saved?!

[OwlLover]

Please help ASAP! I just dropped one of my eggs when I was candling it, and now its cracked!

The membrane isn't damaged, but can it still die? What can I do to save it?! Thanks!

 

[madi99]

try melting an unscented candle and drip the wax over the crack to seal it.. i've also heard people suggest tape but i think the wax will give you a tighter seal

 

[spikennipper]

It depends how old the egg is really and the size of the crack I think if it's mid way or near hatching you may get away with it depending on the crack but if it's earlier on bacteria is given more of a chance plus the embryo is more fragile, I successfully incubated a quail egg with a straight line crack right across it that I din't even know was there until I candled and saw it but it was very superficial so I guess no bacteria got in, you have nothing to lose by sealing it and then candling at a later date and then deciding if the embryo has survived, be careful though as these eggs are more likely to contaminate your other eggs so place it as far away as possible.

 

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It would be best to pitch it.

 

[Marty1876]

I have had this, and I always use plain white melted parafin, if its a very modest crack. Hot parafin will kill bacteria it touches, but cool quickly (which is important) If your over halfway there, go for it. If your in the first week, the drop alone will probobly doom the chick-to-be as they are very fragile the first week.

Good luck. I have had success some, but failure too. Probobly worth a try, but don't set your heart on success.

 

[Impress]

I always use Elmer's Glue and a paintbrush, it seems easier for them to pip through come hatching time and I always name those chicks Elmer. It has been successful for me 6 times with cracked eggs, never lost a one. (I'm a huge klutz and need to be more careful.)