Thank you. And I know the older eggs have a smaller chance at hatching. This time with how few hens were laying I had to wait over 2 weeks to collect enough to fill the incubator. I'll candle a few days after incubating and replace any empty ones with fresher eggs.
What do you mean with a few days? I find it hard to see any development under day 5. Replacing them at that point would mean you get different ages. A more complicated / staggered hatch and more chances of bullying.
Therefore I wouldn't replace the empty eggs but simply discard them.
Just for clarification. Should the eggs acclimate for a certain amount of time before set in incubator with OPs temp difference?
I'm no expert, but as far as I know, you don't need to acclimatize the eggs from the ideal storage temp (10-14 C) before you put them in the incubator.
@fluffycrow? I never hatched with an incubator. Only with broodies. The guys I bought the hatchery eggs from in the past kept the eggs stored until I picked them up.
After transport they need 24 hours rest (important!).
The eggs were not send by mail. I personally picked them up by bike /car.
It is best to store eggs with the point approximately downwards, to make sure the yolk stays in place. Eggs should be stored with the air sac facing up, otherwise the air will rise and the membrane will become loose. I know people who place them in an egg carton at an angle and 'turn' them twice a day (other side tilted, still with the point downwards).
Bonus info from a hatchery:
Store the eggs in a cool environment with a temperature of 10 - 14 degrees Celsius. Make sure the humidity is between 55-70%, this prevents water loss in the egg. Turn the eggs a bit twice a day to keep the yolk floating.
edited : spelling and added the italic text.