Storing fertalized eggs

A_nomad · **Joined:** Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:59 am **Posts:** 32

Hi All,

I was hoping you could help me with some info, i have a Broody Hen that i am going to use as my incubator, what i'd like to do is collect a weeks worth of eggs from my pure hens, and place them under the broody when i have 7 or 8 eggs up, whats the best place to keep the eggs untill i am ready to put them under her, i know i have to turn them, and not end to end, ( so egg cartons are out ) so do i keep them on there "long" edge on a flat tray or something and roll them a couple of times a day??

Thanks

C.K · **Posted:** Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:27 pm

You can use an egg carton just elevate one end then rotate the ends to turn .
just place them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

A_nomad · **Joined:** Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:59 am **Posts:** 32

Thanks, will a broody hen stay broody until the chicks hatch, so if i have her sitting on gold balls until i am ready to put the fertalized eggs under, will she stay broody ofr that time, or is it a it of a whenever she is ready to get up she will?

C.K · **Posted:** Mon Apr 15, 2013 7:51 pm

it depends on the breed and individual hens some will sit tight till they die if they don't hatch others may only sit for a couple of weeks
but most will sit till the eggs hatch then the cheeps will change her to mother mode.

AbbaDoo · **Joined:** Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:03 pm **Posts:** 4

Silkie bantams will sit for ever if you let them I have had 1 hen sit on egg that did not hatch only to move to another lot and they did hatch so about 60 days all up

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

^ this is a problem with some broodies

I suggest you check some of the eggs around day 10 for fertility = carefully take a few out from under her just after dark and candle them

do this quickly and put the eggs back under the hen asap if they have development
then walk away and let her sleep

obviously if there is no development don’t put them back under her

I say check at day 10 – as it is easy to see if development is happening if you have not candled before

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=42741
^ click on this link for how to make and/or use a Candler

http://www.thecuckoopoultrystudofaustra ... chick.html
^ click on this link for information regards embryonic development - there are a few pictures to help

AbbaDoo · **Joined:** Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:03 pm **Posts:** 4

Thats a good idea and love the info on candling

Blake23 · **Joined:** Sun Mar 24, 2013 10:59 am **Posts:** 5

Saves the hen sittin on infertile eggs

AbbaDoo · **Joined:** Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:03 pm **Posts:** 4

Yes which is a big problem at my place with the bantams

Blake23 · **Joined:** Sun Mar 24, 2013 10:59 am **Posts:** 5

Anyone with pekins or silkies can relate to that

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Storing fertalized eggs

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