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.

 

[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.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

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.

Sorry I disagree. I find mutts to be better layers. I'm raising for eggs not showing. I love my mixes, they are harder to sell, people want designer instead of utility. But I like my little guys. I would never try to pass them off as more than just ducks. Some do.

 

[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

 

[Yardmom]

Were the eggs at a market where you could find the seller? If so they would probably be glad to sell you unwashed eggs when you want to hatch them.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Sorry I disagree. I find mutts to be better layers. I'm raising for eggs not showing. I love my mixes, they are harder to sell, people want designer instead of utility. But I like my little guys. I would never try to pass them off as more than just ducks. Some do.

Oops I meant to disagree only about mixed ducks. I agree with The rest of the post

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I have heard of people doing it and ending up with a successful hatch. I mean the eggs were free, if you already have an incubator and the ability to properly care for ducklings then why not give it a shot if that's what you want to do? Sometimes it's fun to do something spontaneous like trying to hatch free supermarket duck eggs

 

[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.

 

[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.