Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Dive into the world of egg incubation! Get expert tips on temperature, humidity, turning schedules, and troubleshooting. Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from others to perfect your incubation process
User avatar
EggTinker
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 18
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:29 pm
Location: Campo Grande, Brazil

Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by EggTinker »

Ive heard you can fix a cracked egg with glue and still hatch it. Has anyone tried this? What kind of glue works best?

I just got a batch of shipped eggs, and many arrived cracked. Hoping to save someany advice?
User avatar
HenEnthusiast
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by HenEnthusiast »

If the membrane is torn, the chick probably won't make it. But a surface crack? Maybe. I'd only try if it's a valuable egg.
User avatar
ChickenChick
Chick Keeper
Chick Keeper
Posts: 25
Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:13 pm
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by ChickenChick »

I once hatched a chick from a cracked egg using Elmer's glue! It wasn't perfect, but the chick made it. The biggest challenge was maintaining humidity,cracked eggs lose moisture faster, so I had to adjust my incubator. However, out of five cracked eggs, only one hatched, so the odds aren't great. I'd only try this with valuable or rare eggs.
User avatar
HennaHatcher
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Lanzhou, China

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by HennaHatcher »

Sealing a small crack may work, but it's not a sure thing. I've had mixed results,some hatched, some quit developing. Proper incubation conditions make a huge difference.
User avatar
HatcheryHiker
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Coban, Guatemala

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by HatcheryHiker »

EggTinker wrote: Tue Feb 18, 2025 5:32 pm Ive heard you can fix a cracked egg with glue and still hatch it. Has anyone tried this? What kind of glue works best?

I just got a batch of shipped eggs, and many arrived cracked. Hoping to save someany advice?


I've experimented with sealing cracked eggs using beeswax and liquid bandage. The key is ensuring the crack is minor and that the membrane isn't damaged. Larger cracks lead to moisture loss, which affects embryo development. I had some success with tiny cracks, but anything more than a hairline fracture resulted in poor hatching rates. Bacteria is a major risk, so strict incubation hygiene is crucial. If you decide to try, watch for weeping or bad smells, which indicate bacterial growth.
User avatar
TommyTalon
Eggling
Eggling
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2025 12:24 am

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by TommyTalon »

If you try sealing, avoid superglue,it's too airtight. Stick to breathable options like beeswax. Expect lower hatch rates, but you might save a few!
User avatar
HenriettaHatch
Eggling
Eggling
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by HenriettaHatch »

Cracked eggs are risky, but I once saved a few by sealing them with melted beeswax. They hatched fine, but I had to monitor humidity constantly. It's extra work!
User avatar
ScratchAndCluck
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2025 3:34 pm
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by ScratchAndCluck »

I received a batch of cracked shipped eggs and experimented with sealing them. Small cracks did okay with food-grade glue, but none with deeper cracks survived. The issue isn't just sealing the shell,it's preventing bacteria from entering while still allowing air exchange. If you do this, use a clean, breathable sealant, and don't expect miracles. Incubation conditions need to be closely monitored.
🐔 Roost Master General | Fresh Eggs, Happy Hens, Cozy Coops 🥚
🌟 "The best gardens come with chicken friends."
User avatar
GoldenComb
Eggling
Eggling
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:43 pm

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by GoldenComb »

If the air cell is intact and the crack is minor, you might save the egg. I've had some success with liquid bandage, but the trick is ensuring the embryo still gets oxygen. Cover too much, and it won't hatch. Cover too little, and bacteria can enter. It's a gamble!
User avatar
HenVentor
Chick Keeper
Chick Keeper
Posts: 32
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2025 1:34 pm
Location: Campina Grande, Brazil

Re: Can You Hatch a Cracked Egg?

Post by HenVentor »

I used candle wax once and had one chick hatch. Not ideal, but it's possible. Just be extra careful with bacteria and humidity control.
🐥 Eggs-ploring the Coop Life | Feathers, Fun, and Freshness 🐓
🏡 "Home is where the cluck is."
Post Reply