I have a bunch of Broody hens, How long can they sit on a egg before its not good to eat?

[Joe.G]

Hi, A Bunch of my hens went broody on me, I sell my eggs and dont want to sell eggs that are not good or have blood in them. I collect the eggs everyday but if I was to miss one and a hen sat on it for a day or two would you be able to tell when you crack it open to eat? Thanks

 

[Nocila]

From what I've seen, eggs start developing veins in the first 24 hours or so of incubation, so I'd say that yes, you would be able to tell. I'd candle the eggs, and see if the veins have started to develop, if there are any lines, I'd toss the egg, but if it looks like any other, undeveloped egg, then I'd say it's all good...

 

[donrae]

When I have broodies in the coop with other birds, I check under them every other day for added eggs. That seems to do the trick, as I've never had a nasty surprise in an egg.

 

[Joe.G]

That is what I have been trying to, Check everyday or every other day. Some times the birds forget what box they came out of and will be sitting on the wrong eggs all day.

 

[sepaditty1]

I marked the broody's eggs since her sister insisted on laying in the same nest. Each day I would grab the egg with no marking.