Storing Hatching Eggs

[ManitobaQuail]

Hi everyone,

I know this has been discussed before but I'd like to hear from someone with personal experience, if possible

We did our first hatch last year and it turned out great (41/48 hatched). We stored the eggs in room temp in the basement in egg cartons and turn them twice a day by hand (prop one end of the carton up and rotate).

This time, we are wondering if we can just put the eggs in the egg turner and turn it on to store them in the basement (around 15 degree C)? So we don't have to turn them twice a day by hand. Would they be "over-turned" (ie. too many times a day)?

We also wonder if storing the hatching eggs for 11 to 12 days would be wayy too long? In the past, we've stored them for up to 8 days only. And from what I've read, people generally recommend not to store hatching eggs for longer than 7 days. What has your experience been like?

Thanks so much

 

[mixedUPturk]

ive incubated hundreds of eggs. They start to break down after about a week and the hatch rate will decrease. Keeping them at your basements room temp is a good step, and turning them isnt so vital as the temp and humidity. Im pretty sure the turner wouldnt hurt as long as the motor isnt allowed to heat the eggs closest to it. The eggs loose their water as they age so the air cell could become large enough to make for sticky chicks eventually but waiting til days 10 and 12 shouldnt pose too big of an issue as your keeping them cool and turning them.

 

[ManitobaQuail]

Thanks so much for the reassurance. I will test it out once it warms up.