Wait 6 days to put eggs in bator?

[chickfillhay]

I bought some eggs on ebay. I was worried because I can't pay her until tomorrow. She was really nice and informed me not to worry 'cause most hatcheries prefer eggs to sit 6 days before incubating. What's your opinion.
Either way I am taking those eggs.
12 white &
12 buff Orpingtons

 

[chickenfeed]

My first hatch was from eggs I bought on Ebay. They got held up in the mail and took 8 days to get here during the freezing cold weather last March. I did get two to hatch out of the 12. Good luck!

 

[babyboy1_mom]

I let my shipped eggs sit for at least 8 hours to let them settle. In my opinion, there is no need to let them sit for 6 days. That is just reducing their chances to hatch. The older an egg, the less chances for it too hatch.

Dorothy

 

[summerwindsfarm]

I think she was just trying to reassure you that its okay for eggs not to be super fresh before incubating them. I agree with that when its *my* eggs. Ive incubated eggs two weeks old that were *mine* and gotten 80% hatch rates. But when eggs are shipped they are pretty traumatized. The fresher the eggs when they are shipped the more likely they are to survive the ride and develop. I dont think she meant for *you* to wait 6 days to put them in the bator.

 

[CindyS]

I agree with Cheryl, old eggs just will not ship well. I have incubated eggs that were 2 to 3 weeks old that hatch well. But if I had shipped these eggs it is doubtful they would have survived the trip. Remember, if these eggs are already 6 days old, add 3 more days to shipping time and you have 9 day old eggs.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

My understanding is that eggs should be incubated within 6-7 days of being laid. My aunt has a commercial chicken farm for hatching eggs and they sit in a "cool room" and are picked up by refrigerated truck once every 5 days. You know they aren't making it to the incubators until day 6 or 7. She reports that she has hatches at about 87%.

Certainly, the fresher, the better but I think it will be ok if they get to you quickly.

 

[chickfillhay]

Thanks everyone. It makes sense that at least I have a good chance if I get them within the next six days!