how long do eggs last to save before incubating

[nelgkel]

We get fertilized eggs from the farmers market and thought we would try to hatch a few. How long after gathering can we save them for before incubating? We got them yesterday at the market~they were gathered on WEdnesday and Thursday and we will get our incubator on Monday.
Thanks!!

 

[orionburn]

I think the general consensus is 6-7 days, but I've read on here where some have hatched out eggs as far out as 10 days. Given your time frame I think you'll be fine. Keep them in a cool place, but don't put them in the fridge. Store them with the pointy end down until they're ready to go in. I'm planning/hoping to do my first batch of eggs on Tuesday.

 

[Kedreeva]

Some people will tell you as far as 3 weeks. Some people will say 7 days. Personally I wouldn't try for it if it'd been more than 10 days, as around there is when the viability of the egg begins to decline.

If you are getting them from a farmer's market, I would make sure to ask how the eggs were stored, as this can also make a difference in viability. If the eggs were refrigerated, you may still have a chance, but it's probably going to be less. Some people swear by refrigeration here- I personally wouldn't bother incubating a refrigerated egg.

 

[Ridgerunner]

This link talks a lot about storing eggs for incubation. I think it will help you. if you read it closely it kind of says "This works best but this will work too".

Texas A&M Incubation site
http://gallus.tamu.edu/library/extpublications/b6092.pdf

What I'd suggest is to store them in the coolest place in your house but not in the refrigerator and turn them by hand a few times a day. If you get a turner with your incubator and it is a type you can remove and plug in, store the eggs on the turner while you are stabilizing your incubator.

Hens will often hide a nest and lay eggs for more than 2 weeks then hatch them, so don't over-obsess on the age of the eggs. You should do OK.

 

[geebs]

14 days is the limit for viability.... Then the chances go down expotentially

 

[nelgkel]

thanks so much everyone! I am storing the eggs pointy end down, also I get the eggs unwashed, unrefrigerated...basically straight from the nest to egg carton to me AND they are less than 36 hours when I get them!

Can't wait to get our incubator on Monday.

thanks for the info to read, I am sure it will be very helpful

 

[BeccaB00]

Just remember to store them in a cool place. We take a shoe box, then wrap each egg in a couple peices of newspaper and then set them in the box. Newspaper is just so that they are less likely to break. 6-7 days they should still be good. Good luck with your eggs!!!

 

[usschicago1]

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