Do I need to toss an egg with a hairline crack?

[elizwlsn]

I have never hatched eggs before and just got some BBS orpingtons' I got from ebay. I have one that has a hairline crack in it. Should I toss it or try it in the incubator with the others?

Also there was poop on some of them and I rinsed it off with warmish water. I was reading a book and it said to do that but I am now worried I shouldn't have.... did I do the wrong thing?

On the plus side my 1588 has finally gotten to the right temp. I think it just takes a long time for it to do it. It's been on a week and the first few days it was only 98.5 but finally is up to 99.5 and staying there.

Elizabeth

 

[freshegg]

I would toss it

 

[twigg]

Quote:
Yes, you did the wrong thing, but probably didn't do too much harm. Washing is rarely necessary ..... when it is a special cleaner and method is used. A light scraping and fine sandpaper is much better.

The one with the crack can be tossed, or the crack repaired. Use clear nail varnish and give it a go.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Some people have patched small hairline cracks with wax and have had the chick hatch. It's up to you, just be aware that it can easily get bacteria into it and ruin the rest of your hatching eggs. Watch for a funky smell coming from the bator and toss if needed.

Remember when you set your eggs in that the temps and humidity will drop down for a few hours or overnight. Just watch and don't rush to adjust the knobs.

 

[elizwlsn]

Thanks.... I am just going to toss that one.

What will the rinsing have done to them? I knew when I was doing it I probably shouldn't but the book said it was ok and I am such a neat freak. This trait is at times at direct odds with the objects of my affections.

BTW I have seen the LF in front of BBS eggs before and wonder what it stands for.

Elizabeth

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i've tried patching eggs with wax. They ended up seeping and smelling nasty, and i then tossed them. i have read of successful hatches on here with patched eggs. Personally, i would not try it again, unless the chick was very far along and accidentally got a small crack. i think, only then, the wax patch would be worth the risk.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

You can take some candle wax and cover the crack. I did that last year with a sebright egg, and it hatched normally.

 

[klf73]

LF= Large Fowl
I have successfully hatched a cracked egg (was not leaking, membrane intact), I just waxed it and kept an eye on it.
from what I understand rinsing can force the bacteria into the egg as it removes the natural barrier on the egg

 

[Harley's girl]

It may take a bit longer for the hatch since they were not up to temp right away. They may hatch a few days late. Just letting you know in case they don't hatch on day 21.

 

[twigg]

Quote:
In future, you might want to consider not setting eggs unti the incubator has been at the correct temp for at least 24 hours.

The 1588 shouldn't take long to reach temp unless it was filled with very cold eggs. If it seems to be taking too long there is probably something not right in the set up.