Will fertilized eggs float?

[Ladybug2001]

Simple as that. We all know they say if an egg floats it means its bad. Well, I had four dozen eggs in the fridge, decided to make sure they all were good before pawning them off on someone. Almost ALL of the eggs ended butt end up. Which I won't give to anyone because I don't want anyone to get sick. So... do fertilized eggs float? I have a rooster, and he definitely does his job, so just a thought.

 

[Whittni]

There's nothing wrong with eating fertilized eggs. I think the eggs float because of the air sack not because they are fertile or not, but I've heard eggs that float are rotten, but I think it might be an old wives tale.

 

[3 NH reds]

There's nothing wrong with eating fertilized eggs. I think the eggs float because of the air sack not because they are fertile or not, but I've heard eggs that float are rotten, but I think it might be an old wives tale.

Yep I agree. The reason they float is the air sack gets bigger as they age. Eggs loose moisture as they age. Have you ever tried to peal a hard boiled egg that is fresh? The membrane is so tight it is almost impossible. I age eggs two weeks to hard boil and it's much easier

 

[Sphinx]

I wouldn't eat or incubate an egg that totally floats. If it sinks to the bottom, but fat end up, that's fine.

http://www.helpwithcooking.com/egg-guide/fresh-egg-test.html