I did every test I could find online to determine the viability of an emu egg at this stage of incubation. I tried the float test, sounding, and the cooling test. All indicated that there was not a live chick in Egg “C.” I got the courage up just now to open it. I placed the egg in a quart sized zip lock bag. I took it to the garage and, with a small mallet, tapped the shell to break it. The outer membrane was difficult to tear but I got through it and my suspicions were confirmed. The egg was just liquid inside. It was not rotten like the first one, but definitely has never been viable. So egg “B,” the smallest of the three is still in the running. It is still movin’ and groovin’ this morning so I am still hopeful. This phase we are entering now is the most critical according to my research. Many things can go wrong from this point to hatch. The good news is Michael suggested I order another three eggs and see what we can do with those. It is winter any way. What else do I have to occupy my time?
Here is egg “B” nestled in the Brinsea at a 97.6 degrees and 30% humidity. If all things go right, this chick should hatch in about 9 days. The more reading I do I find that day 50 to 52 is more often hatch day so I have changed it in my title.
Egg Starting Weight Current Weight Amount Lost Percentage
A Removed (non fertile)
B 532.97 grams 456.14 grams 76.83 grams 14.4%
C Removed (non fertile)
Rachel Mankowski says
My 6 year old son decided that he would like some emus…my neighbor has 13 of them just as pets and when they started to lay eggs this year they ended up at my house. So naturally I did what any mother would do got an incubator. We are on day 34. With 4 eggs. Not sure what will come of them but for my sons sake I hope at least one hatches. I have tried to listen for a heart beat with my stethoscope but nothing yet not even sure if that would work. I’m all set up for when they do hatch with a heat lamp and cage. I would love to hear from someone about this. I’m scared they won’t hatch and I will have a very sad little boy.
Mary says
HI Rachel, there are a few things you can do at the latter stage of hatch to determine if there is a chick growing inside. I do not want to hijack someone else’s work but you can go here and scroll down to the bottom for methods. It might be a few days early for your eggs. Be careful of the wiggle test. One of mine rolled right off into the floor. Also it is awesome when you whistle at the egg and it whistles back! Good luck and let us know how it turns out! Here’s the link:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/emu-hatch-2013
Mary
Kathy says
Did you do it? Did you order more eggs????? YES ! ! !