Winter Incubating

[LinckHillPoultry]

Quick question everyone. I'm used to incubating my eggs in the spring or summer. Can I hatch eggs that were outside and had gotten cold? Doesnt it freeze and kill the embryos?

 

[jab91864]

There was a recent discussion about this, probably in the last 2 weeks. You might be able to find it if you go back a couple pages...

But as I recall several folks said they had hatches from eggs that had gotten cold, including been in the refrigerator. Concensus was, I believe, if they don't freeze you've got a chance.

Best of luck !!!

Julie

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi!
My experience is that eggs that have been exposed to freezing temps for even a short length of time don't hatch well, if at all.
How cold is your cold?

Lisa

 

[hinkjc]

I agree with Lisa..any freezing temps and the possible embryos can be destroyed. In order to hatch the eggs, they must be collected very often to keep them from getting cold.

Jody

 

[MaransGuy]

There are a lot of variables and different people will tell you different things. I think the eggs will be fine, especially if they don't freeze. Living in Massachusetts, our highs can be below freezing for a couple weeks at a time. I usually pull eggs in the moring and in the evening and don't have any problems with hatching. I think the embryons are far more sensetive to heat than cold

Richard

 

[silkiechicken]

The temperature and duration exposed will have a great affect on viability. Doesn't hurt to try, but the further from "ideal" the less chance there will be.