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
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.