help! Cracked egg!!

[tlmancuso]

These eggs have been under the hen and today is day 16. I found this egg cracked tonight. (Yes, my kids drew a face on the egg). Can I repair it or is it too damaged? I'm so sad. I'm down to 4 eggs

 

[MommaHen2Many]

I had one that was like that, it actually hatched (but I was incubating) without me doing anything other than be extra careful with it. not sure with a hen sitting on them. hoping others will comment.

 

[Miss717]

Do you have an incubator?

 

[tlmancuso]

I don't. I sealed it with nail polish and will hope for the best. Looks like someone pecked it. She has a couple other hens who insist laying their egg in her nest. I'm preparing her nursery tomorrow. Maybe I will move her a little early? I just don't want to cause her to leave the nest. We're so close!

 

[Miss717]

I've heard of using melted candle wax, but fingernail polish may work too. If you try moving her at night when she's not as aware of what is going on, she may be more likely to stay on the nest. Keep us posted. Just out of curiosity what breed is the broody?

 

[tlmancuso]

She's a cuckuo marans. She's just over a year old. I'll keep this post updated on how many hatch!

 

[tlmancuso]

The eggs have hatched, but the cracked egg didn't make it. It was okay on day 18, but I noticed additional cracks that were probably from the hen turning it those last few days. I do think if I had been able to incubate it the chances of it hatching would have been much higher. It was worth a try. And the 4 that hatched are happy fluffy little chicks

 

[Miss717]

So sorry the chick in the cracked egg didn't make it. One of the many trials of hatching eggs. Glad the other four are happy and healthy though. Congratulations.

 

[MommaHen2Many]

Enjoy your little fuzz balls! Congratulations on the hatch. You did what you could to help it along. I was watching a quail outside this morning with her little bitties (boy are they small)...and am so amazed that those little guys survive the many predators, (hawks, cats, skunks,etc) that they survive the 90 degree weather, that they actually find water....and wondered what is their hatch rate. lol
We try for 100% but rarely ever get it, we WANT every single one to survive, but know that they most likely won't. It is still so sad when one doesn't make it.