Have people really been able to hatch store-bought eggs?

[suzpyoung]

I ask this because I had my first casualty the day before yesterday. My sweet little redstar bantam appeared to have died in her sleep, with an egg laying right beside her. I've had her egg in the refrigerator since - but started to think I'd like to hatch her baby (I do have a 'bator). I just wonder if the egg has gotten too cold. Thoughts please?

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Yes organic fertile eggs have been hatched out. Less rate of hatch, but it has been done!!

ETA: I'd give it a shot. Some have had success with refridgerated eggs.

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Yes, it's true. Here is the thread for GardeNerd's DD's store bought egg-speriment from last year.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=124940

 

[duckluck]

3 of my last batch were refrigerated and all 15 of this batch were. But I have to say that the temp on the fridge for this batch was above 45F the whole time and on 50 at the end of three days, which was as high as I could set it and still have it be cool without turning it off. (I have an eggstra fridge for animal stuff, so letting it get that warm doesn't matter...it's mainly to keep seed and stuff from getting buggy and keep horse wormers and such from getting too warm.)

 

[SilverPhoenix]

I think it's worth a try! After all, you have nothing to lose if it doesn't hatch, and something to gain if it does.

Sorry about your hen.

 

[Spore]

Do you have a rooster? If not, the egg she hatched is infertile.

 

[suzpyoung]

Yes, Falcon had a rooster - a black silkie. Would definitely be an interesting cross! I think I'll try it - I also have a couple eggs from my 2 golden laced polish hens that are in with my white silkie roo - just in case, wouldn't want the new baby to be lonely.

 

[idahodebra]

Yep, I've done it. Got eggs from the health food store that were fertile and had been in the fridge.

 

[Bock_Bock]

i can vouch for this too as i have a chick in my brooder right now that just hatched early monday that was from trader joe store bought eggs
here is a pic of her

 

[suzpyoung]

Oh just look at her looking in the mirror!! What a precious sight. At least you're in CA where it's likely more warm that I am here! Think you'll try to find a flock mate for her? Thanks so much for sharing.