Too old to incubate?

[peawinkle]

I'm a 4th grade teacher and my class is hatching ducks as an end of the year project. Unfortunately, the woman who ordered them didn't realize the eggs were waiting at the post office to be picked up and I just got them today.

They were shipped on March 28th from Metzer Farms and I put them in the incubator today at 11:30am. That is 8 days! Do you think they have a chance?

 

[Aacre]

I think that it should be fine. I will sometimes hold back eggs for a couple of weeks before I incubate them. Never had a problem. I think I have heard that eggs can be good for about a month. I could be wrong though!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Yes, they are still good. It's best to store eggs fat end up but they are viable for a long time. I collect eggs for two weeks and don't witness a reduction in hatch rate. Shipped eggs almost always suffer in hatch rate due to the handling in shipment not age.

 

[jaytoddmartin]

Also because a duck takes at least 8 days to lay 8 eggs I think she wouldn't start sitting on them for an even longer period of time than you've waited.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

fertility drops after 10 days.

kinda depends on how long they had them . after 10 days it starts dropping so you have a good chance.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

wow, i must type slow, this was unanswered when i started. lol

 

[peawinkle]

Thanks to everyone who replied!! My students and the woman who bought them for us will be greatly relieved.

This is the second time I've hatched ducks in the classroom. I'm starting to remember how stressful it can be! LOL

 

[Grandma Carlene]

Your kids are going to love this. Way to go!!!!!

 

[Granny Hatchet]

Your kids are going to love this. Way to go!!!!!

you dont get out that easy. lol

welcome to BYC

 

[peawinkle]

Thanks!!! I love this site. So much information and everyone is friendly and helpful. I wish I had found it when I did my first hatch three years ago but I'm here now!