I am wanting to buy hatching eggs- probably from a BYC seller- but I may not be ready for them once they get here. Okay, the hens may not be. How long can I store them before a hen goes broody? A week? Two? Four? Any suggestions as to the most preferable conditions- humidity, temp? I know this will affect the hatch rate by some but does anyone have any suggestions?
If you store them in the fridge you will have zero hatch rate! It's too cold. Read up on previous threads for ideal 'holding' conditions. Eggs need to be held at proper temperature, humidity, and must be turned twice daily before setting them in the incubator. KrisLW
Just puting them in the fridge creates losses so not the best idea generally but the ones that survive being put in there will last longer. If you have to keep them 2 weeks or more the fridge is an option an they can last 4 weeks or a little more but under 2 weeks in a cool room is really the best place to try to stay.
