Backyard Fowl Keepers

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.