How long can you hold eggs before hatching?

[bjcoop]

I would like to try to hatch some of our cuckoo maran eggs this spring. How long can I store them before putting them under a broody? And, do they need to stay warm? on counter? or in fridge?
--bjcoop

 

[Tuffoldhen]

10 to 14 days at the most for a good hatch ...use an egg carton with the large end of the egg up..store on counter or someplace cool/not cold!and NOT the fridge......I've read where some turn the eggs in the carton once or so a day to keep them viable...

 

[cadman68]

I have read where the hatch rate stays virtually unchanged until they are stored past 7 days at which point it starts to drop. With that being said you should have better hatch success if you don't store them for longer than 7 days.

 

[speckledhen]

Best not longer than 7 days, however, you can store them up to two weeks, if stored properly, and still have a decent hatch. After 7 days, the rate drops slightly; after 14 days, significantly.I keep mine between 50 and 65 degrees (bsmt) in egg cartons and after a few days, if I'm keeping them longer, start tilting up one end of the carton then the other at least once a day.

 

[Nefertiti]

7 to 10 days is our normal limit on storing eggs for hatch, but have gone as long as 2weeks if kept tilted, and rather cool, and r-really wanted that egg.(certain pairing and /or size of egg)
Basement kept eggs about 55. Cool is better than warm. Too warm may start premature incubation, too cold (fridge) will kill the egg. I know one lady who didn't have a basement, so she stored her eggs in the tub with curtain shut.
Tilting eggs in storage keeps the yolk from setting in one place too long, (sticks) Tilt one end of carton, and then the other. 30 degrees, I think it's supossed to be(???) We use two egg cartons, empty one upside down, eggs in waiting propped up on the first. Change positions couple times a day.
It is my understanding that AC units may be bad for storing eggs. Something about drawing too much moisture out of the eggs.........

 

[bjcoop]

Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions! I am somewhat new to this, and I've learned so much from reading here.
Thank you
--bjcoop