How long are Fertile eggs good for before going in an incubator?

[PhoenixFeatherFarms]

Ok so were just starting out and have one on order. We bought an adult pair of Silver Seabright Bantams and the hen lays every other day like clock work yet like I mentioned our bator is on order... How long are the eggs good for till I can put them in the bator? And no the hen will not set on the eggs

Thanks

 

[Renie'sPeeps]

It is my understanding that the hatchability rate goes down after 10 days.... doesn't mean they won't hatch... just means your hatching rate might not be as good.

 

[greathorse]

Most conventional wisdom says 10 days. I have had great hatches with eggs that were three weeks old.

 

[Illia]

If stored right they can last as much as 3 weeks, but in most cases should lose their fertility/hatch rate past 10 days. I've taken two eggs that were stored for 16 days and had one fertile though.

 

[debilorrah]

10 days as a rule, but you know your own environment more than we do.

 

[PhoenixFeatherFarms]

Oh Awesome! Thanks!

 

[HBuehler]

I set 12 at 21 days 9 hatched so I lost some fertility normally that pen would hatch 100% .Now,I wouldn't buy old eggs but if they are sitting on my table and I have some space there is nothing to loose if you toss them