Collecting Eggs for Hatching: How Long Are They Good For?

As a backyard poultry keeper, collecting and hatching eggs can be a rewarding experience. However, determining how long you can collect and store eggs before incubation can be a challenge. While some recommend collecting eggs within seven days, others suggest up to ten days.

Egg type, storage conditions, egg age, and egg handling are critical factors that influence the length of time eggs can be stored.

In this article, we’ll explore these factors in-depth and provide tips for collecting, storing, and incubating eggs to increase your chances of hatching healthy chicks.

How long can eggs be collected before incubation?

One of the most frequently asked questions among poultry keepers is how long eggs can be collected and stored before incubation. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question as it depends on several factors, such as the type of egg, storage conditions, and age of the egg.

Many poultry keepers recommend collecting eggs for incubation within seven days, while others suggest up to ten days. The general consensus is that the fresher the egg, the better the chances of hatching healthy chicks. After the first week, the fertility rate of eggs starts to decrease, which can lead to poor hatch rates.

Factors to consider when collecting eggs for hatching

Several factors influence the length of time that eggs can be collected and stored before incubation, including:

1. Egg type The type of egg being collected plays a significant role in how long it can be stored before incubation. Chicken and quail eggs, for example, can be stored for up to ten days before incubation, while duck and turkey eggs can only be stored for up to seven days.
2. Storage conditions Proper storage conditions are essential for maintaining egg viability. Eggs should be collected and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Temperatures above 70°F can cause eggs to spoil quickly and reduce hatch rates.
3. Egg age The age of the egg is another critical factor in determining its viability. The fresher the egg, the better the chances of hatching healthy chicks. As eggs age, their fertility rate decreases, which can lead to poor hatch rates.
4. Egg handling Proper egg handling is crucial for maintaining egg viability. Eggs should be collected gently to avoid cracking and placed in a clean, dry container. Avoid washing eggs before storage, as this can remove the protective coating on the eggshell and increase the risk of contamination.

Tips for collecting and storing eggs for incubation

If you’re planning to collect and store eggs for incubation, here are some tips to help ensure a successful hatch:

1. Collect eggs frequently Collecting eggs frequently, ideally daily, will help ensure that you have fresh eggs for incubation. The longer eggs are left sitting, the lower their fertility rate becomes.
2. Label eggs Labeling eggs with the collection date will help you keep track of how long they’ve been stored and when they’re due for incubation.
3. Store eggs properly Eggs should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a basement or pantry. Avoid storing eggs in the refrigerator, as this can cause condensation to form on the eggshell, which can increase the risk of contamination.
4. Turn eggs regularly If you’re storing eggs for more than a few days, you should turn them regularly to help prevent the yolk from sticking to the inside of the eggshell.
5. Avoid washing eggs Washing eggs before storage can remove the protective coating on the eggshell, which can increase the risk of contamination. Instead, wipe any dirt or debris off the eggshell with a dry cloth.

Final thoughts

Collecting and storing eggs for incubation can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. As a general rule, eggs should be collected and stored for no more than ten days before incubation to ensure the best hatch rates. However, proper storage conditions, egg handling, and regular turning can help extend the viability of eggs for incubation.