Trying to Hatch Eggs from Deceased Hen...

[Pollo Blanco]

I looked at a couple of threads about hatching older eggs and most were successful. What are your thoughts on this?

After I lost my drake on 5/20, I grabbed every egg I could and bought an incubator. Eggs were from 5/7 to 5/20.
I did do slightly better than 50%, but due to some unexpected circumstances, I have 14 survivors, and five eggs that never pipped. 29 eggs were started, and one was not fertile.

 

[junior67]

I have never "waxed" an egg so I'm not sure, but I think @junior67 has

I have but without success. Many have done it and chicks made it to hatch. Mine always quit and I am not sure why. Some use nail polish to seal it as well. But you just light a candle to melt the wax and put it on the crack either by dripping and smoothing with your finger or just use your finger for it all, or that is what I have done.

 

[Oob Child]

Thank y'all! I checked the eggs last night and saw in all eggs, embryos with veins and everything!!! I could see their eyes as well and some slight movement. I'm worried about the one egg with the crack. It's still thin but got a bit bigger and I'm afraid Debbie is going to notice and crack it. How would you do the waxing thing? Or is there any other way to do this? I don't want anything to happen to that baby! Thanks!

I recommend using nail polish. Wax is a little hard to do. At least it is to me..

 

[The Chick Addict]

I recommend using nail polish. Wax is a little hard to do. At least it is to me..

How would you use Nail Polish? I'm wondering if I should leave it alone? It's the most developed one out of the 4 and it isn't showing any problems. Or should I seal it just to be safe?

 

[Oob Child]

How would you use Nail Polish? I'm wondering if I should leave it alone? It's the most developed one out of the 4 and it isn't showing any problems. Or should I seal it just to be safe?

I'm not really an expert on it, but I just paint over it with one layer and do it quickly.

I think you should seal it, she could make the crack bigger by sitting on it and bacteria could get inside the egg.

I'll add a photo in a sec, just have to find it first.

Edit: I couldn't find a photo online or on my phone. Does anyone have a photo of their own they could share?

 

[The Chick Addict]

Horrible news, I went out this evening to lock up the chickens and found the egg with the cracks missing. Saw some eggshell on the side of the nest and found a bit of blood and the 7 day old embryo dead, inside the folded eggshell. I'm heartbroken as I already named it Fighter and saw it but a couple of hours ago moving and alive inside of embryo. I suspect broody or other hen saw the cracks and cracked it open. Poor baby. 2 eggs have embryos and 1 may or may not be developing. Today is day seven.

 

[The Chick Addict]

Day 11, 2 out of 3 are doing great! Babies are so big and moving around alot! Not sure about the 3rd, may be growing...

 

[TheSilkieInn]

Hello Y'all! My family's beautiful hen, Restaurant passed away last night and I collected 5 eggs from 2-7 days ago that were in room temperature in my pantry. I set them under my broody hen, Debbie and I am hoping they will hatch. I looked at a couple of threads about hatching older eggs and most were successful. What are your thoughts on this? Also, am I supposed to do anything to help Debbie hatch them? I'm hoping this will work, I will keep updated.

Hi,

I am very sorry about your chicken, I know the feeling. You can save eggs for as long as two weeks but the hatching rate will be lower. I say give it a try and hopefully you get chicks that look just like her. Good luck!

 

[The Chick Addict]

Day 13, the two embryos are doing great. Checked the egg I was unsure about, smelled a slight rotten egg smell coming from it and it was completely dark inside when I candled. Cracked it and found it was rotten. Still wondering if 2 chicks is enough for a Silkie hen?

 

[junior67]

Day 13, the two embryos are doing great. Checked the egg I was unsure about, smelled a slight rotten egg smell coming from it and it was completely dark inside when I candled. Cracked it and found it was rotten. Still wondering if 2 chicks is enough for a Silkie hen?

I had a hen raise 1 chick last year.