Before the incubator?

[moeplants]

How long can you keep an egg, after it is laid , before you putit in the incubator? I have Chickens...and Guineas!!! I am totally new to this, I had chickens growing up, but never tried to hatch them on my own

I think this site is awesome!!

 

[kimandrich]

Welcome to Backyard Chicken!
I love this site, too. It's amazing.


I'm pretty sure you can keep them 7 days, stored in a cool room with 60-70% humidity, but that's what I've been told. I'm new to this. I'm sure someone more experienced will reply as well!


Good luck!

 

[Heathero617]

I've searched high and low for the answer to this VERY question. That and can short term previously refrigerated eggs be hatched? I've had no luck so..i'm going to keep an eye on this thread!

 

[BawGock]

I generally will go up to 10 days on my own eggs but never sell hatching eggs to customers that are over 7 days old when they pick them up.

Of course I've had eggs sit on my kitchen counter for two weeks without turning and decide to put them in the incubator and have them all hatch out fine.

You could try refrigerated eggs, folks have hatched them. You'll see people on the forum purchase fertile eggs at the health food store hatch a few chicks out of those and they were definitely in refrigerated conditions, too.

Hey, it's all a big experiment anyways, have fun with it.

Carolyn

 

[Glenmar]

They should be no older than 7 days or you hatch rate may go down.

 

[Heathero617]

Quote:
Well had i know THAT LOL, I might have a chick by now!!! I was taking her eggs before I realized she was broody and I had 1 more in the fridge!!! I thought once you got them cold, they were no longer viable....ohhhhhman >selfkick<

 

[moeplants]

Thanks! That is very helpful...hmmm now how many chicks do I really need???

 

[MetalSmitten]

just as a sidenote, the refrigerated eggs CAN sometimes hatch, but your chances go down. better to store them normally

 

[Heathero617]

Quote:
LOL ok so what is "normal" storage for an egg? I had always been lead to believe it's refrigeration!

Sidenote: In my world, "Normal" is nothing but a dryer setting

 

[Glenmar]

Fertile eggs for hatching should be stored at room temp. 60 degrees is best. So out of the sunlight. In an egg carton pointy side down. They also need to be turned each day while waiting to go in the incubator.