How old can duck eggs be before incubation?

[KHoward]

Hello,

Can someone tell me how long I can collect duck eggs and still have them viable for incubation? I had a trio of Appleyards and one hen died. Now I want to collect as many eggs from the remaining hen and then set them for incubation.

I collect them first thing in the morning so they aren't sitting in the box for very long.

I have heard anywhere from 8 days to 14 days.

Thoughts?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Hello,

Can someone tell me how long I can collect duck eggs and still have them viable for incubation?  I had a trio of Appleyards and one hen died.  Now I want to collect as many eggs from the remaining hen and then set them for incubation.

I collect them first thing in the morning so they aren't sitting in the box for very long.

I have heard anywhere from 8 days to 14 days.

Thoughts?

Eggs in general are best at a week or less for hatching, it is the recommendation by most sources 10 days or less and most people agree past two weeks viability drops significantly.