Shipped hatching eggs and temperature

[svh]

Sorry for all the questions, but my research has not provided any clear cut answers.

I have a dozen hatching eggs set to arrive today, and have been researching to see if I need to let them rest or not. It seems to be about a 50/50 split on resting or not. I need someone with experience to tip the scales for me.

They were shipped Tuesday, and the temperatures have been quite warm. Will this effect the decision to let them rest or not ?

Should I rest them inside, (AC) or outside where it is much warmer ?

I'm using a broody hen who is well set into "her" box, so after candling for cracks, should I just introduce the eggs to her, or wait a day or two ?

Should I put all 12 in at once, or should I cycle them in a few at a time ?

What about turning ? I assume the broody will take care of this, but should I rearrange them when I pull her out for her daily feeding/watering ?

That's enough questions for now, and thanks in advance for any tips and advice.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I think the decision whether or not to let them rest really hinges on whether they've been shipped or not, rather than temperatures during shipping. I always allow shipped eggs to rest for 24 hours after receipt so that air cells can settle and the eggs' temperature can stabilize (if you think they may have begun incubating due to the warm temps and the air cells look ok, you may want to skip the settling period).

Once you've candled them, you'll know if shipping damage has occurred, like saddled or detached air cells. I artificially incubate shipped eggs because it allows me to use special techniques to try to mitigate shipping damage. You won't be able to do this under a broody, so I'd let the eggs rest where the temp is similar to where the broody is (unless it's warmer than around 101 degrees), then place all of them under her. She should be able to cover a dozen eggs. She should also turn, cool, and remove bad eggs as she incubates them.

If there's any chance another hen could lay in the broody's box, you'll also want to mark the eggs you're setting so you know which to remove daily (unless you can tell by sight due to different egg color, of course).

I hope shipping was gentle on your eggs. Best of luck with your hatch!