got a incubation question

[tinamommy727]

I have only four hens, two buff orpingtons and two leghorns, I have a 20 egg incubator, over a period of five days can I add to the incubator, or do I have to have 20 eggs to start with on one day. Please let me know, thank you!

 

[matlock585]

You can collect the eggs and store them until you are ready to incubate. Most say you can safely keep them for ten days. I stored mine up in the pantry in an ice tray. I turned them a few times a day. They hatched great. You can add some after you have started incubating, but probably wouldn't want to get more than a day or two later. When hatch time comes it's easier if they all hatch together so you can get them out sooner.

 

[dbcooper02]

You are best off to save up a batch of eggs and start them all at once. No problem holding eggs 7 days or even a little more if necessary. A staggered hatch is a major pain to deal with.

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

I think you could probably put them in over a period of 2 days. Otherwise, it may be hard to keep track. The first time I started incubating eggs, I put them in at different days. None of them hatched, so I think it's best to put them in on the same day. Although, I think it would be okay to put them in within two days of putting the others in.

 

[tinamommy727]

i had no idea that you can keep them up to seven to ten days! That's awesome! I am going to try that.

 

[tinamommy727]

also what if the eggs are cold when I collect them,does it make any difference?

 

[builderone]

They should be fine. I live in northern ny and mine have been cold but are still all developing. I have saved them as long as 2 weeks and still had luck. anything over a week though starts to decrease there chance some.