can you collect winter (ie, cold) eggs for broody hen?

[panipuri]

My hen has gone broody. We decided to start collecting eggs.

Problem is it's about mid 30s (in the coop, too) and the eggs were laid this morning. They were quite cold when I collected them this afternoon. Will they still be viable? I have them in a cool room in my house now.

I'm going to try to catch the eggs soon after being laid for the next few mornings much quicker.

Basically I don't quite understand how chilled can an egg get, and chilled for how long (half day?), kills an embryo.

Appreciate any thoughts!

 

[midget_farms]

so long as they didn't freeze they will be fine.

Eggs manage cold great - its heat that kills

 

[midget_farms]

there are several people here who hatch eggs bought from trader joes - those eggs on in the cooler for days before being sold.

 

[panipuri]

thats funny about trader joes!

Why is it that some suggest not to refrigerate? I hear some saying you can't, some say you can.

 

[thebanthams]

So refridgerated egg can hatch ? Interesting ! I have always been told over the years not to let the eggs get too cold !! or hatching rates is not good...

 

[panipuri]

is it that some people's fridges are too cold and others are not? ie...setting closer to 32 ..or 40 makes a difference?