The Poultry Keeper

mojo · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:36 pm Post subject: OLD eggs NEW eggs

I have a question i cant answer(no rude comments PLEASE)How long is a egg viable to hatch a chick.My rule is 7 days or less but dont set on day of lay.Read that takes up to 14 days life in eggs as that is the time it takes a hen in the wild to lay a clutch...........comments please and what is the oldest egg youve hatched.................mojo...........

NannyP · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:45 pm Post subject:

I think I've read that up to as much as 15 days. And, as you say a hen can take that long to lay a clutch, if you allow for the odd day off inbetween. Why Mojo, how old is the egg you're considering Confused

debcat · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:47 pm Post subject:

One of mine sat on 12 last year, she lays 2 in 3 days, 10 of them hatched as well

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

But unless you numbered them Deb, you wouldn't know I guess if it was the oldest ones which weren't viable?

debcat · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:54 pm Post subject:

I didn't number them, but for 10 to hatch one must have been about 2 weeks old

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

I would have thought, as long as the egg is still fresh enough to eat then it has a chance to hatch

Smile

mojo · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:49 pm Post subject: me and eggs

someone who MUST remain nameless has offered me 24 eggs from 4 show winner batam rare breeds but he cant get them here till next tuesday week ,I shall of course set them but wondered what chances i have got

NannyP · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 10:02 pm Post subject:

worth setting I would have though Mojo Laughing

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:30 pm Post subject:

definately - I would give it a go, noting to lose but the running costs of the bator and 3 weeks wondering!

debcat · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:33 pm Post subject:

Agree with Nannyp and Jaydee, have a go