Can I hatch eggs that were bought at the farmer's market today?

[Kariann]

To clarify, my daughter inlaw bought them with the intention to eat them, and gave me 3. They are very clean, so I assume they have been washed, and I believe that eggs sold at farmer's markets are required to be washed around my area (Tennessee). I do not know how long ago they were laid. So, I have 3, and would love to put them in the incubator if there is a chance of them hatching and being healthy.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

It depends. If they are fertile, then yes, if not, no. An easy way to check this, is to put a bright light (like a flashlight) under the egg, and see if there is like a “Glob” or “Spot” inside the egg. If there is, then it is fertilized and you can hatch them, if not, then you can’t. You can find more information online, I hope that this helps, have a great day!

 

[lost-duckling]

i would try it at least for fun.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd want more eggs, making it more likely to have more than one lonely chick hatch. Or. go to the market next week and talk to the egg supplier.
Mary

 

[Everose]

Hatching eggs are fairly inexpensive. What do you want ducks for? Just for fun? Eggs? Meat?

Washed eggs are open to bacteria, I wouldn't try to hatch them. You don't know what duck laid these either, they could be mixed breed, as a person who is looking to buy ducks I hate finding nothing but mutts. What if you have to sell them down the road? Craigslist is loaded with mixes, not very many people want them.

 

[Kariann]

Hatching eggs are fairly inexpensive. What do you want ducks for? Just for fun? Eggs? Meat?

Washed eggs are open to bacteria, I wouldn't try to hatch them. You don't know what duck laid these either, they could be mixed breed, as a person who is looking to buy ducks I hate finding nothing but mutts. What if you have to sell them down the road? Craigslist is loaded with mixes, not very many people want them.

I only want the ducks for eggs to eat and fun to play with, I also have chickens for the same reason

 

[Everose]

I only want the ducks for eggs to eat and fun to play with, I also have chickens for the same reason

I would try to get a purebred, they're my personal preference

I would recommend Welsh Harlequin. But if you want to give it a whack with these eggs then go ahead! I have heard of lots of people who hatched store bought or farmers market eggs.

 

[aart]

It depends. If they are fertile, then yes, if not, no. An easy way to check this, is to put a bright light (like a flashlight) under the egg, and see if there is like a “Glob” or “Spot” inside the egg. If there is, then it is fertilized and you can hatch them, if not, then you can’t. You can find more information online, I hope that this helps, have a great day!

You cannot tell if an egg is fertile by candling it.....
....not until it's been incubating for about 3-4 days.

 

[Kariann]

I would try to get a purebred, they're my personal preference

I would recommend Welsh Harlequin. But if you want to give it a whack with these eggs then go ahead! I have heard of lots of people who hatched store bought or farmers market eggs.

Well, now ya got me thinking. And the winter season is to be here soon. Mayhaps I ought wait til spring to get ducks. And, I could be selective about the breed. I want to hatch them myself, though, to have a better chance of imprinting. Or, I could get a seed pair that are only a day or so old. The issue I come to is that I can't find fertilized eggs, and I can't order just a couple ducklings without paying a hefty "small order fee".

 

[Everose]

Well, now ya got me thinking. And the winter season is to be here soon. Mayhaps I ought wait til spring to get ducks. And, I could be selective about the breed. I want to hatch them myself, though, to have a better chance of imprinting. Or, I could get a seed pair that are only a day or so old. The issue I come to is that I can't find fertilized eggs, and I can't order just a couple ducklings without paying a hefty "small order fee".

Smiles-N-Sunshine breeds welshies, and ships eggs. You could always check out the Buy Sell Trade section of BYC.