Pulling eggs for hatching

[crooked stripe]

How warm do the eggs have to stay to place in the bator. By the time I can collect the eggs they are cold, say 40 degrees. Will eggs that cold hatch? How do people hatch collected eggs this early in the spring? rj

 

[Judy]

They'll be fine if they haven't frozen. People keep them on the counter for a week or so before incubating; I've done this successfully myself. In nature the hen leaves them in the nest that long or longer to collect a clutch. Of course in nature they don't get a 100% hatch either....

 

[StormyMoon]

They should be fine, I keep mine in an egg carton under my desk until I am ready to put them in the incubator.
We hatch collected eggs in an incubator or under a broody hen.

 

[f8thnjc]

I say just give it a try. You will know within a week in the bator whether they are viable or not.

 

[crooked stripe]

My only problem is the eggs are a dark brown and no mater how bright a light I have I can't see in. I lost 3 this winter, 2 from a predator and one I just found in the coop dead. Seemed alright the day before. Who knows. I just need 5 or so as replacements. rj

 

[chicmom]

I collect my eggs that I plan on hatching or selling twice a day, and I store them in an egg carton down in the basement. I've been doing this for a month now, and fertility has been great. I think my basement is probably in the low 60s. I collect for two weeks.