Since they're not shipped, I personally don't think they need to settle. I'm sure you're not bouncing the eggs around, and the drive isn't all that bouncy I'm guessing.
I've also taken eggs straight out of the fridge and into the incubator (was trying to resist the urge to hatch by sticking them in the fridge, but it turns out I have poor impulse control), and they hatched just fine.
The dirt could mean the eggs were found on the ground somewhere and not in the nests, and therefore of indeterminate age, but I have to admit that in the winter time, things get muddy, and my eggs are usually a bit dirtier than usual this time of year.
My personal theory is that they got TOO cold (like below freezing) and died that way.
As far as candling goes, I just use a small LCD flashlight that you buy just about anywhere for about $2-$3. I have a quick tutorial on my blog. If you have a small flashlight like that around, I'd candle your eggs and see if anything is alive in there.
I've also taken eggs straight out of the fridge and into the incubator (was trying to resist the urge to hatch by sticking them in the fridge, but it turns out I have poor impulse control), and they hatched just fine.
The dirt could mean the eggs were found on the ground somewhere and not in the nests, and therefore of indeterminate age, but I have to admit that in the winter time, things get muddy, and my eggs are usually a bit dirtier than usual this time of year.
My personal theory is that they got TOO cold (like below freezing) and died that way.
As far as candling goes, I just use a small LCD flashlight that you buy just about anywhere for about $2-$3. I have a quick tutorial on my blog. If you have a small flashlight like that around, I'd candle your eggs and see if anything is alive in there.
