Will eggs still hatch in cold weather?

[lovelyduckling]

I need help. My hen is laying eggs again and it's getting real cold. The eggs have been outside for awhile until I recently brought them inside. If she goes broody and I put the eggs under her will they still hatch even though they have been in very cold weather? Hoping we can get some more chicks for more hens. It may be cold but they can handle it. Pls help!Thank you!

 

[CascadiaRiver]

If they have been exposed to very cold temperatures then I would assume the embyros would be dead or never started, though if you had a way to keep the coop warm or if she went broody and stayed on the eggs (is sitting and still laying eggs so they aren't exposed to some bitter cold weather or breezes) then they hopefully would be okay.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree

 

[Fidah G]

Yeah,me too.

 

[junebuggena]

People hatch refrigerated fertile eggs from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods all the time. As long as the egg isn't frozen prior to incubation, they should be fine. Eggs do not spontaneously develop.

 

[lovelyduckling]

Yes, thank you so much for your help!

 

[junebuggena]

Keep in mind, fertile eggs are only viable for about 2 weeks. So collect daily. If she goes broody, pop the most recent eggs under her. Otherwise, feel free to use those eggs.