Shipped eggs left outside by delivery . . .

[clacasse88]

I have no idea how long the OE wheaten bantam eggs were sitting outside in 39 degree weather. I do have to say that they were very well wrapped. What is the longest I can wait to put them in my incubator? Some of the eggs were laid 6 days ago and both of my incubators are full. I thought I had read 5 days. Ugh! These eggs were supposed to be sent in the spring. I had won them at an agricultural fair. (It was a donated item, so I'm grateful that they were sent to me. I guess I'm disappointed that they were shipped early, I was never contacted, and they weren't sent with any notice saying not to leave them outside or anything

Any words of encouragement?

 

[Cindiloohoo]

10 days is my longest with good hatch rate but someone said up to 14 days. I hope that is encouraging

 

[Mahonri]

After 7 days, the fertility will start to go down, but hey, we've all seen the Trader Joe's miracles. So who knows. On Sunday I start collecting for someone who is getting eggs on Friday.

 

[clacasse88]

Thanks. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed. I guess I can hope for a miracle between the cold temps for however long it spent outside & beating the clock of getting them in the incubator. . .

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
The packing may well have been adequate enough to keep the eggs well above the 39 degrees , and maybe a gradual raise in temp while waiting for space in an incubator will work to your benefit

. Its too bad the sender did not send you a heads-up . Maybe you can find some space in the other bators or candling might find some nonviable and create some room . Best wishes .

 

[geebs]

I have gone over 14 days and had hatches.. your chances go down expotentially that.

 

[sepiolida]

I've never done hatching eggs, but I've read that temperature changes can cause deformities in the chicks such as crossed beaks. Does that only apply during the later stages of development? I've been wondering how eggs can be mailed and still turn out alright... apparently it's fine though.

 

[bigdawg]

shoot the mail man. mine will call me first and i go and pick them up.

 

[PoultryPedia]

Hatchability can be maintained longer by keeping them at ideal temps--I'm thinking that is between 45 and 60 degrees??

I've heard that eggs not infrequently are hatchable if started incubating up to 30 days after lay--particularly if temperature is good, they are not jarred around too much, and they are kept where humidity is sufficient to keep them from drying out too much.

So frustrating for you to get the eggs in those conditions!! Your attitude shows charity.

You have my best wishes!

 

[clacasse88]

Quote:
I've been hesitant to order eggs through the mail. This is the first time, and it wasn't by choice. I thought I was going to be able to pick them up, but since it was a few hr. drive, I'll just have to go with it