How long do they keep?

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smith76

smith76

Chirping
6 Years
Jun 21, 2013
111
3
71
My Pumpkin Hulsey hens recently started laying good so I collected a batch of eggs and started incubating them. In the meantime my hens are still laying and I keep collecting the eggs daily. I guess my question is how long will my fertile hatching eggs stay fertile. I keep them undisturbed at about 65 or 70 degrees constantly.
 
Most people will recommend a maximum holding time of 10 days. Way back in the dark ages I had an old Sears metal incubator - one incubator. I would run a 21 day hatch, disinfect, refill and start over again. I stored eggs in an earthen cellar roughly same temps as you, approx. 50 % humidity minimum, and turned eggs daily. Viability decreased the older the eggs were, but frequently I hatched eggs that were held up to three weeks. Stop and think about how long it can take a hen to lay a broody clutch. Fresher is surely better, but if circumstances demand give older eggs a try. Worst case scenario - they will not develop and can be eliminated at first candling.
 

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