if the shell doesn't come off, it will eventually kill the seedling ... when it becomes obvious it ain't gonna make it, mist the shell with plain water every few hours ... after a day or so of misting, pop the shell halves apart with a pair of toothpicks ... realize, they are quite fragile, and may be killed when you do it ... I have had 'fair' success at it, and I'm pretty 'fumble-fingered' ... :jointsmile: