How long do fertilized eggs keep?

[Blackberry18]

I know that after a fertilized egg is laid, development of the embryo ceases until the egg is incubated. My question is: If you don't wash a potentially fertilized egg (as not to remove the bloom (protective natural covering), so that it will not have a bacterial invasion and rotting) and leave it at room temperature, how long can you leave it before you incubate it and it will develop into a healthy chick? A week? A couple of days? Anyone know for sure? Thanks in advance.

 

[sourland]

Most people will recommend a maximum of 10 days. I have held eggs up to 21 days and maintained good % hatches. Just consider how long it may take a hen to lay a clutch prior to setting. A lot depends upon how the eggs are held - medium low temps, medium + humidity, clean conditions, turned daily all help extend viability.

 

[Blackberry18]

Most people will recommend a maximum of 10 days. I have held eggs up to 21 days and maintained good % hatches. Just consider how long it may take a hen to lay a clutch prior to setting. A lot depends upon how the eggs are held - medium low temps, medium + humidity, clean conditions, turned daily all help extend viability.

Thank you! I was wondering this because of a situation where I may have to wait a week before I can get my eggs to an incubator. So, I have to make sure that it doesn't have any drastic changes in humidity or temp, and to turn it every day, like 3 - 5 times daily?

 

[sourland]

I used to store eggs in an earthen cellar - temps around 65 F and humidity 50% +, kept eggs in clean trays and turned once daily.

 

[Blackberry18]

I used to store eggs in an earthen cellar - temps around 65 F and humidity 50% +, kept eggs in clean trays and turned once daily.

Once again, thanks a lot!