How long can I collect eggs?

I am just starting to keep chickens again after a neighbor's dog did away with our flock last year. I have never hatched my own but hubby has just ordered me a Hovabator Genesis 1588 for Mother's Day! I know the styrofoam ones are not as reliable, but I really don't plan to hatch hundreds of chickens and I think it will be okay for my use. My hubby is probably just glad it won't have as high a hatch rate as I'd like! Chicken math and all...

I only have one laying hen right now. I have gotten an egg every day from her since I got her the Saturday before Easter. I started saving the eggs Friday when he ordered the bator. My question is, how long is it safe to keep fertilized eggs out on the counter before incubating them? I have been turning them several times a day, but I only have five... Hope to have eight or so by the time the bator gets here, but I didn't know if they would be okay that long. My hen is a RIR and roo is a Black Copper Maran. Just mixed, but I thought I'd practice on them before getting more expensive eggs.

Thanks for any info! Patiently stalking the UPS man...

I have heard several different opinions on that subject, but I have had no problem at 10-14 days out.

Also, how do you mark your eggs? After my first practice run, I plan to get several different types from friend to hatch and will need to mark which ones are which.

acreed said:

Also, how do you mark your eggs? After my first practice run, I plan to get several different types from friend to hatch and will need to mark which ones are which.

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Write the breed, or something that you can tell, on eggs with pencil. If no turner in it, put x on one side and o on other. That way you know which way to turn up next turn.

Thanks clayb226! I just wasn't sure what to use to write on them. Thanks for all the info.

acreed said:

Thanks clayb226! I just wasn't sure what to use to write on them. Thanks for all the info.

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You are more-than welcome. Glad I could of been of some assistance to you.