Hatching duck eggs

[RockyToggRanch]

Hi..I have an opportunity to buy some mallard eggs. Probably fertile. I just emailed back to ask how old they are and how they've been kept. What are the limits? If they've been refrigerated will they still hatch? How old is too old?

 

[RockyToggRanch]

any duck people out there?

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I guess I'll just risk it and buy them.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

I';m pretty sure that you can't hatch refrigerated eggs....

 

[CindyS]

If they have been refrigerated they will be alright. Probably 2 weeks in the fridge would be the limit and then there will be some decrease in hatchability. I hope your getting them cheap

 

[shelleyd2008]

It depends on how long they were refridgerated, and whether or not they were washed. It also depends on how cold the refridgerator was. I personally wouldn't buy them if they were refridgerated, unless they want almost nothing for them.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

She tells me they are about 1 1/2weeks and they've been at about 54 degrees, upside down. She has 15 for $10.00. But I think early on she told me that she had 2 males and 1 female. I doubt 1 duck lays 15 eggs in 11 days. hhmmm....

 

[shelleyd2008]

Storing them upside down is not a good idea from my understanding? You are supposed to just turn them side to side once a day. But they should be ok, if they weren't washed. And only $10 is not bad at all. These are eggs for p/u right? I would do it. Only $10, and your bound to get a couple out of them at least. Let us know what you decide.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

Thanks
I'm going ahead with it. What the heck! I'll meet her today and get them.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Good luck!! And remember to keep us posted, and we want pics when the little fellas hatch!