Gathering eggs to incubate

[janl]

I don’t have any broody hens so I started collecting eggs from a newly laying guinea to incubate. It’s snowing here in Michigan so any egg I get has been sitting in a cold barn. Would they likely be hatchsble if they’ve gotten chilled overnight and how long can I wait to put in the incubator. So far I’m getting one daily. Thanks.

 

[nchls school]

Try to collect your eggs before nightfall. Those that are exposed to freezing temperatures are not as likely to hatch. If it does not freeze in the barn you need not worry. In general it's best to use eggs two weeks or less old. From the time I raised guineas I know that many of them had large clutches hidden in the brush and would bring out 22 or more chicks. I know that only one hen was using these nests so it seems that guinea eggs have a longer shelf life so if you have some over two weeks old I'd put them into the incubator too.