How long are eggs edible if they were under a broody hen?

[danamillette]

I was gone for about 4 days and some fertile eggs sat under a broody hen. (son was afraid to reach under her!

)
Do you think these are still edible or would the chick have started developing?
Thanks,
Dana

 

[TinyChickenLady]

I'm no pro but I would say they have already started developing. Have you tried candling them?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they're fertile they may have started to develop but they're still edible. Just don't tell the FDA or CDC.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The ones that have been in there over a day will have started developing. I personally would not eat them. They would be great for feeding back to the flock though if you are not going to hatch them, just boil them and break them up.

I'll probably gross some people out, but they are still edible, even if they have started to develop. In some cultures, partially developed eggs are considered a delicacy. Google Balut if you dare. Just because they are developing does not mean they are dangerous. If they had bacteria in them, the chick would not develop. But, no, I do not eat those.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
Ditto and

on balut. (I know what it is)

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't think I would eat them either but I have plenty of eggs.
If I was very hungry? I'd say "serve 'em up!"