Can duck eggs be hatched if they were put in the refrigerator ?

[pekinsRus]

I know that the eggs should be kept in a cool,dark,dry place until they are placed in an incubator. I have had success this way. I am not sure if I will use these eggs for hatching, but I wanted your advice & experience on this matter. Also, how long can the eggs "keep" before going to an incubator if they were once refrigerated?
Thank You Very Much,

 

[jak2002003]

I have hatched eggs form the fridge many times. They all hatched fine. They had been in there about a week.

I have read that they may have a lower hatch rate if they have been in there for a long time because the fridge de hydrates them over time.

Don't put the cold eggs under the broody - or she will have a shock!

Let the eggs reach room temperature slowly before adding them to the incubator or hen.

 

[DTchickens]

I have hatched eggs form the fridge many times. They all hatched fine. They had been in there about a week.

I have read that they may have a lower hatch rate if they have been in there for a long time because the fridge de hydrates them over time.

Don't put the cold eggs under the broody - or she will have a shock!

Let the eggs reach room temperature slowly before adding them to the incubator or hen.

I agree, I would also say though that temperature probably has some involvement. A lot of peoples fridges are different, some may have theirs set just above freezing- others a little warmer; I've seen some temps be set so low the tea would have ice covering the tops.

But if I recall correctly, all (or many) of the egg farms refridgerate the eggs at a specific temp to help preserve them until it is time to ship them to the hatchery.

God bless,
Daniel.

 

[pekinsRus]

Thank you both very much for your knowledge.