I smashed the eggs!

[Sarjeanp]

Wait... take everything OFF.. even if the membrane is fully in tact? I thought I was supposed to make a makeshift shell, like how people pour wax over it to seal it? This egg still has about 11 days or so to go. When I dabbed the membrane with the damp Q-tip, it created clear spots, and I thought I was ripping it open, so I left it alone, and stopped attempting to get the dirt out.

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

Wait... take everything OFF.. even if the membrane is fully in tact? I thought I was supposed to make a makeshift shell, like how people pour wax over it to seal it? This egg still has about 11 days or so to go. When I dabbed the membrane with the damp Q-tip, it created clear spots, and I thought I was ripping it open, so I left it alone, and stopped attempting to get the dirt out.

The egg must get oxygen in the shell to develop. If you want to pour unscented wax over the dented part, you can. Membranes ARE clear. So I believe when you were wetting it, it was moistening the membrane. Was there membrane on the cotton swab when you stopped?

 

[MGG]

@MGG has experience with incubating eggs that have shell damage. So let's see what she has to say. I have dropped and cracked an egg that had externally pipped. It was hatching though so a huge difference. I just gave her another crack.

Sorry for the late reply, but thanks for the tag! If it's not a small enough crack/dent to be patched with nail polish and some tape, it honestly probably doesn't have much chance. It doesn't hurt to try though.

Wait... take everything OFF.. even if the membrane is fully in tact? I thought I was supposed to make a makeshift shell, like how people pour wax over it to seal it? This egg still has about 11 days or so to go. When I dabbed the membrane with the damp Q-tip, it created clear spots, and I thought I was ripping it open, so I left it alone, and stopped attempting to get the dirt out.

Yes, they need to breathe and evaporate moisture through that shell. If the shell isn't exposed to air the baby can't breathe. What I would do, is put some triple antibiotic ointment on the membrane, cut a square of saran wrap, put it over the hole and put a rubber band around it to hold it on.
Like this

Then up the humidity a bunch so it doesn't dry out, probably up to at least 65%.

Covering the egg in wax would kill it too. It wouldn't be able to hatch through all of that buildup, and it would suffocate. When you dabbed the membrane with water, it moistened the membrane which makes it see-through. I wouldn't dab it any more though unless you're putting the ointment on, and then don't touch it anymore. Don't turn it either.
Unfortunately, with that long left to go and dirt actually being in there, it will most likely succumb to infection very soon. Bacteria grows so fast in a hot, humid environment like that, and it kills even faster. Everyone makes mistakes, I wouldn't beat yourself up too bad. I accidentally tossed a live egg the very first time I incubated many years ago, and I still haven't fully forgiven myself. But this is just part of keeping birds.

 

[Sarjeanp]

The egg must get oxygen in the shell to develop. If you want to pour unscented wax over the dented part, you can. Membranes ARE clear. So I believe when you were wetting it, it was moistening the membrane. Was there membrane on the cotton swab when you stopped?

 

[Sarjeanp]

Thank you guys. I didn't get notification that there were new messages, I'm sorry! I came here to search the bedding my hubby bought and saw new notifications. Anyhoo, both babies passed away. I know I need to get use to animal death, but dangit, it's a HARD pill to swallow when you are the cause. At any rate, momma hen has 3 babies and mama duck has 4. Precious new life! Mama duck is a HOT mess and has turned mean. lol (I think she knows what I did!) Kidding.