How to Store Eggs Prior to Incubation?

[Mudstar4ever]

Hi all -

My incubator isn't scheduled to arrive until Sunday, but I'm aiming to pick up my two duck eggs tomorrow or Sunday morning. I know you can store eggs up to 7 days prior to setting - how exactly does one do that? Any suggestions as to where I should store my eggs until I get my incubator and fire it up?

Any suggestions are helpful - thanks!

 

[Tre3hugger]

Store eggs pointy side down in an egg carton at room temp or slightly cooler. Around 50-60 degrees. A basement would be a good spot. Or just on the counter out of direct sunlight depending on the temp. Be gentle with them. It couldn't hurt to rotate them too. This is easily achieved by placing a book or something under one side of the egg carton so it is tilted. Switch the side the book is on 3 times a day. That way the egg will rest towards an alternate side each night. Think that about covers it. Good luck with the hatch!

 

[Mudstar4ever]

Thanks so much for the quick reply! Excited to get started.

 

[Tre3hugger]

No problem. Let us know how it goes.

Thanks so much for the quick reply! Excited to get started.

 

[Mudstar4ever]

Today is egg pick-up day. I’m looking for one or two ducklings to start so I was going to purchase two Cayuga duck eggs. What is the likelihood at least one of them will hatch? Should I buy three just in case?

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Ask the seller that exact question. Ask about their fertility and hatch rates. They should happily provide this to you.

I used the Metzer Farms guide with great success for my first time hatching duck egg (after a few years hatching chickens). I think it's an excellent starting point. The guide mentions a 70% hatch rate on their eggs. That said I had 7/12 eggs be fertile. And all 7 ducklings hatched.

Good luck to you. The incubator is obviously new but have you ever incubated before?

 

[Mudstar4ever]

Yes, this is pretty much my first!

I did hatch one rescued goose egg 13 years ago, but the more research I do, the more I realize how many things we didn’t do correctly the first time, but he turned out perfect! The stars must have aligned, but I’m determined to do this right this time.