How long do I leave UNshipped eggs room temp b4 incubating?

[Smokin Silkies]

I have some eggs from my girls that I've been collecting for 5 days now. I had them stored in a room that stayed between 52-60 degrees, but mainly lower 50's. How long do I have to let those sit at room temp before putting them in the bator? I've searched on here but didn't get any hits. Thanks!

 

[dovecanyon]

Put 'em in now! They don't need to sit if they haven't been beat up by the post office!

 

[The Chicken People]

I think 24 hours not sure hope someone else chimes in!
See someone else chimed in! LOL!

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

The mortality rate goes higher as each day passes. I wouldn't let a chicken egg sit too long. I incubate by at least day 4. Incubate now.

 

[Smokin Silkies]

Thanks! I wasn't sure if the jump from 52 degrees to 100 degrees would hurt it any. I never hatched any of my own eggs before? They have been on the counter for about 2 hours now. I'll stick em in there. Thanks!

 

[rittert3]

They don't need to sit, but can if you are just waiting for them to accumulate but dont let them sit any longer than 10 days, no longer that 7 is best due to the fact that you lose hatchability the longer they sit. I would suggest reading a guide to better hatching by janet stromberg if you have more questions about fertility and incubation it's a good read and lots of interesting and useful information. Also rebember that the eggs still need to be turned while they are being held, the best method I've seen being to set an egg tray at a 45* angle and rotate the tray 90* every 12 hours.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Quote:
They warm up slowly.... I had the same worry when I first started. The way it was explained to me was... "its not like dropping them into hot water - the temp inside the egg rises a lot slower with warm air around them."

 

[countrychics]

shipped eggs must rest at about 60-65 degrees...is best.. for 8 hours..this allows air bubbles to settle.... eggs are fertile for 15 days but why wait? i have even hatched my own eggs in a stagger. meaning, hens lay 6 i set, hens have 8 eggs 3 days later i set, but w/ date on the egg in pencil..it works, but as stated above, the longer you wait, the less fertility rate you have... best of luck!

 

[Mahonri]

Most often I hear 24 hours.

I think 12 is more than enough.

Last hatch I put over 30 eggs in immediately and got a good hatch rate... go figure.

 

[RockinRainbow]

Hi, I'm new to BYC, and have only had chickens for 6 months now and I'm addicted! I ordered hatching eggs that will be shipped on March 8. I would like to order another 6 from a different supplier to ship around the same date. Does anyone know: If they arrive a few days apart, should I hold the eggs at around 60-65 degrees and put both batches (6 each) in the bator on the same day? or should I put them in the bator within 24 hours after receiving them knowing they would have 2 different hatch dates a few days apart? THANKS