How long are fertilized eggs good for?

[akpeeps]

My new hen layed 8 eggs before we got her last Saturday. She was housed with five roosters. If we can get them from the old owner, would it be worth trying to hatch or are they too old?

Thanks!

 

[akchickenegg]

Usually i don't let my eggs sit for more then 7 days without incubation.All my friends told me that if they are out more than 7 days your hatching rate decreases. if they are not more than 7 days or you dont know you can take all if you can and see which ones would hatch.Hope this helps!

 

[Ridgerunner]

This site gives good detailed information about storing eggs for hatching and decreased fertility from long storage.

http://gallus.tamu.edu/Extension publications/b6092.pdf

Good luck!

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I'm hatching out chicks right at the moment that some of the eggs are over 2 weeks old. 18 eggs 100% fertility, 2 quitters around day 14, 7 have hatched the rest are pipped. All are my own hatching eggs.