How to Keep Shipped Eggs Cool Until They Settle?

[BlueBob]

I've never done this before but I just bought some eggs off of Ebay for my broody hen to hatch out.

The seller states..."We advise that the eggs be carefully UN-wrapped then placed in a cool-humid storage area. Ideal storage conditions include a 55 to 68 degrees F. temperature and 75% relative humidity. Store the eggs with the small end pointed downward over night or 24 hrs. To help the egg settle".

Outside of finding someone that'll let me use they're root cellar I'm not sure how to go about this. I could turn the beer fridge t-stat up but I don't think that I'd have the humidity. Does anyone have any ideas on this? Thanks

 

[chickengeorgeto]

The seller states..."We advise that the eggs be carefully UN-wrapped then placed in a cool-humid storage area. Ideal storage conditions include a 55 to 68 degrees F. temperature and 75% relative humidity. Store the eggs with the small end pointed downward over night or 24 hrs.

Storage conditions for only a 24 hour period are not that important. The recommendations you posted are more for "long term" hatching egg storage if there is such a thing. Hatching viability begins to decrease the instant that the egg leaves the hen.

Put your eggs in a paper egg carton and set the carton on a just moist clean bath towel near an AC vent, cover everything with a dry bath towel. Just make sure you don't create a situation where there is a lot of evaporative cooling because that may chill the eggs into the 40 degree range, depending on how high, or rather depending on how low you have your AC set, humidity etc. etc. etc.

Never at any time let shipped hatching eggs "settle" for over 24 hours before they go in the incubator or under the mother hen. Good luck because this time of year is absolutely the worst time of year to buy, ship, and set hatching eggs.

When you think about it there has got to be a reason that eggs, baby chicks and little ducks are associated with Easter and Spring.

 

[BlueBob]

Thanks George, I kinda had a feeling that I was messing up by doing this at this time of year but I've had some losses from neighboring dogs and I was hoping to play catch up. Should've waited for better weather but what's done is done and I'd like to make the best of it. Besides this is the third time this year this hen has gone broody so I figured I'd help her out a bit as my rooster was one of the casualties.

So...the mailman is going to bring the eggs and I'm going to put them into a paper carton skinny end down, with a towel above and below near a A/C vent to cool them down (mine are in the ceiling but I'll make it work) and then after a spell (not sure how long), I'm going to stick them under Delia...have I got this right? This can't be the voodoo that I'm making it out to be or is it? Should I settle the eggs at all and if so, how long?

I believe you when you say viability decreases the moment the egg leaves the hen. Makes perfect sense to me but I want to do all that I can to make this work.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I believe you when you say viability decreases the moment the egg leaves the hen. Makes perfect sense to me but I want to do all that I can to make this work.

That is why I said to wait no longer than 24 hours before setting the eggs. That will give the embryos enough time to reorient and for things to settle down but not enough time for the eggs to loose much more moisture through the pores or take on more germs. On the floor will be good. Don't put your eggs on or near anything like appliances that creates noise or other vibrations.

 

[JAHVREM]

I've hatched many eBay eggs. When I receive them, try to pick up from po to minimize their travel damage, I unwrap, place in an egg carton pointy side down, in a quiet area. Just let's things settle down for a day or so..the sooner u start, sooner u get chicks!
In my mind, a 50%hatch is a good hatch. Anything higher is a great hatch. Using a broody is fine. I don't mind hatching this time of year, I get good deals on eggs and my girls sh be ready to lay when spring arrives. I can keep my chicks inside until weather breaks. Have fun!

 

[BlueBob]

Got it. Thanks for the help.