I had a hen unexpectedly go broody on me today. I'd like her to hatch some eggs from my d'uccles, but they are in the fridge. I know eggs can be viable for up to 9 days but I don't know if the refridgerating ruins them for hatching
I am pretty sure hatching eggs cannot go below a certain temp/50* or so. So once in the frig then I think you are out of luck... A hen stays broody for quite awhile. Save up your eggs and then put them under her.
I just hatch a silkie egg last week that was in the fridge for a week so i say give it a try you never no
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=85186 Best stored there than these outside temp. of 90 degress. Better stored there than in a room with AC,they remove the humidity. Turn egg 2 time a day. HAPPY HATCHING Need to add temp, of 55 to 65 I know a pheasant farm that store all their eggs in one set at 60 with a auto turner
Lots of eggs hatch after being refrigerated. It was advised in some of the old time books about poultry that eggs for hatching be stored between 45 (43?) and 50 F. I've hatched fridge eggs. Give it a shot, why not? Besides, in the spring, hens lay eggs (and hide eggs) that go through pretty low night-time temps, then hatch them. I think as long as they don't freeze, you've got a good chance they'll hatch anyway.