How long are eggs good to hatch??

[Shiningfeather]

Sorry I am new to this and was wondering how long you can hold on to eggs if you are saving some till a chicken becomes broody? And do you have to keep them at room temp or can you keep in the fridge.

 

[scbatz33]

According to the book I bought..."best results will be obtained with eggs that are between 24 hours and seven days old and which have been stored in a cool (10 degree C or 50 degree F) place and turned daily."

This is my mini bible called "Keeping Poultry" by Victoria Roberts. I have used it a lot until I found this site. It's practical knowledge and I mix it with the "real life" stuff I learn here.

 

[Shiningfeather]

Thank you so much.......don't really know when she will go broody but would like to be ready when she does.

 

[Snakeoil]

The longer you hold them the less likely you will have a good hatch. Seven days is the oldest to hold them.

 

[gckiddhouse]

I had the same question. I don't have a place of 50* to keep eggs. I was going to leave them in the coop for a few days. It is down to 50* at night and up to 70* during the day. Probably cooler in the coop than that. I am giving therm to a local. teacher on Monday to hatch in a bator for me.

I also have a broody hen who took a few days to get to setting all day. She did leave the eggs for a few hours on the first couple days.

What do you think?

 

[twigg]

Egg viability tends to reduce by 10% for every day over 7.

After 21 days the viability is close to zero.

 

[jkpnelly]

I was about to ask this same question.