Too cold to gather eggs to set?

[urbanagrarian]

I got a new incubator that I want to test before filling it with too many eggs. I ran it empty yeaterday and it seems OK. It's in the 40's F. here. Is that too cold to gather eggs for setting? The incubator holds 42 eggs. I was thinking of setting about 8 for a test. Does that seem right.

It's a hova-bator, digital thermostat, forced air with auto turner if that makes a difference and I've never hatched before.

Urban Agrarian
http://urban-agrarian.blogspot.com/

 

[Katy]

I'd give it a go. Just gather the eggs a couple times a day so they don't get too cold. I've got the same kind of incubators.

 

[urbanagrarian]

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't have roosters, so I need to drive 20 minutes to get the eggs so I can't necessarily get them frequently. Unless I happen onto a warm egg I have to assume it is the same temp as the outdoors and it's in the 40s today. It will only get colder. Is a 45 degree egg doomed?

 

[speckledhen]

No, it isn't doomed, but allow the eggs to come up to room temp before setting them in the bator.

 

[Katy]

I didn't realize you meant you were getting the eggs from someone else. I bet that whoever you're getting them from would save however many you want.

 

[urbanagrarian]

Yes they would save them aside and not put them in the fridge, but they have volunteers that collect once a day now, so no chance of frequent gathering. Sounds like it's worth a try though. Right?

 

[Katy]

I'd give it a try. I'll warn you tho hatching is addictive!

 

[urbanagrarian]

Quote:
I already know my chickens are adictive. Based on the fact that I decided to give myself an early Christmas present of in incubator, I suspect we all know where this is going.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I don't think you will have a problem either...just let them set as Cyn says to room temp before placing them in the bator.....

 

[Katy]

Have fun!!