Topic of the Week - Incubating eggs

[csneill]

I have a welsummer hen & rooster & I would like to try & incubate a few of her eggs. Can I gather a few of her eggs over the course of a few days & incubate them all together? I know that would make my possible hatch dates different but didn't know how others do it...

 

[feedman77]

I would pick up her eggs store them in egg cartons small end down. Tilt them a couple times a day. For up to 10 days then set them in an incubator.

Then all Wil hatch at same time.

You'll be just fine doing that.

 

[csneill]

Store them at room temp?

 

[feedman77]

Yes. Store at room temp. If you have a basement or a closet that is a little cooler store them there.

 

[csneill]

Great- thank you

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I have a welsummer hen & rooster & I would like to try & incubate a few of her eggs. Can I gather a few of her eggs over the course of a few days & incubate them all together? I know that would make my possible hatch dates different but didn't know how others do it...

If you collect the number you want, (collecting eggs for less than 2 weeks is best) storing them as mentioned and setting them all at once will put the hatch day all on the same day, (generally hatchers all hatch out within 24-48 hours). Hatch day has nothing to do with when they were laid, but when incubation starts.

 

[csneill]

If you collect the number you want, (collecting eggs for less than 2 weeks is best) storing them as mentioned and setting them all at once will put the hatch day all on the same day, (generally hatchers all hatch out within 24-48 hours). Hatch day has nothing to do with when they were laid, but when incubation starts.

I had no idea eggs could be stored that long & still have a chance of hatching- after incubating. Thank you!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I had no idea eggs could be stored that long & still have a chance of hatching- after incubating. Thank you!

Most people prefer setting eggs a week or less old, the most quoted recommendation is 10 days or less, but it's agreed pretty much after 2 weeks viability significantly decreases. But your collecting them so they are not being incubated until set.

 

[csneill]

Thanks for the info. We'll see how we do!

 

[JRNash]

I know there will be people that disbelieve what I'm about to post. I assure you its the truth. The eggs that I mentioned earlier, 120 degrees confirmed by three thermometers length of time unknown, HAVE BEGAN TO PIP.
I can't believe it. I was about to throw them all out when I noticed one starting to hatch.I candled a turkey egg.. ... I saw MOVEMENT!!