How long can I keep eggs from collection to incubating?

[sassychickengirl]

I would like to collect some eggs for incubation/hatching. How long is the max time I can collect before setting them? I know I need to store them in a carton large end up.... is that right? And no refridgeration, right?

 

[ranchhand]

Seven to ten days, then fertility starts to fade. I like to keep them about 50-60F, but right now, that's not possible here! Large end up is correct.

Happy hatching!

 

[sassychickengirl]

thanks

 

[Gypsy07]

Like ranchhand says, eggs up to a week old are supposed to be best, and fertility is supposed to start dropping off quite sharply after 10 days.

But I have had good success hatching healthy chicks from eggs that are up to 20 days old. I date each egg when I collect it so I can compare hatch rates for the fresher and the older eggs. Weirdly, I've found that I get a better hatch rate from eggs that are 10-14 days old than I do from the freshest ones. I can't figure out why...

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

Quote:
x2 - I would say with ideal conditions - cool temps & turning - 10 days.

Although I have set older ones, the biggest thing with older ones - they can go bad during incubation .......