Eggs storing advice and tips before artificial incubation

 The fact is that the fertile eggs are alive. Each time a fertile egg is handled improperly, its chance of hatching is reduced.

Before setting the eggs into the egg incubator, it is important to follow these tips for a higher hatchability.  

Why special care should be given to the hatching eggs?

Each egg contains a living cell mass that develops into an embryo and finally it will develop into a chick.

Discard eggs with cracked shell or that are seriously dirtied, in order to prevent contamination of other eggs. If a small area of an egg is soiled with dirt or fecal material, clean the egg by gently rubbing the soiled surface with fine sandpaper. But make sure that what appears to be dirt is not a stain. At any time, never wash an egg with water.

Storage Time

According to hatchery experience, the sooner to set the eggs into an egg incubator, the more assurance you will get for higher hatchability. Eggs that are set less than 7 to 10 days after they were laid yield the best hatchability results.

Storage Temperature and Humidity

Temperature is a key factor influencing the storage results. If the temperature is too high, the eggs will tend to begin its embryonic development process. Fertile eggs should be stored at temperatures between 55o and 65o F. If the temperature is too low, embryos will die. In either case, hatchability decreases.

Position of Eggs during storage stage

If the eggs will be stored for less than 10 days, place the eggs on egg flats or in egg cartons with the large end up. Eggs should be stored with the large end down when they are held for more than 10 days.

Turning Eggs

When the eggs are stored for longer than 1 week, they should be rotated from side to side over a 90-degree angle once a day. If the eggs will be incubated within 1 week from the time they are laid, there is no need to turn the eggs during storage.

Summary

To sum up, the following points should be noted when storing eggs:

1. Temperature: 55o to 65o F l
2. Relative humidity: 75 percent l
3. Turn the eggs if they are stored longer than a week. l
4. Handle the eggs with care!