Before Incubation
It is important for eggs that are not to be incubated straight away to be stored correctly.
The Eggs
- Cracked, poorly shaped, soiled, thin shelled, unusually large or unusually small eggs should not be kept for incubation.
- Only select clean and undamaged eggs for incubation.
- Eggs should not be washed.
- Try not to handle the eggs too frequently.
- When handling eggs make sure that hands are washed to avoid bacterial contamination.
- Before incubation eggs can be stored for up to 7 days.
- When storing eggs before incubating, make sure that they are kept at a constant temperature of 13-18 degrees Celsius or 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not store the eggs at ordinary room temperature or in a refrigerator.
- Avoid placing the eggs in a draft when in storage before incubation.
- Store eggs with the small end facing down.
- Try to keep the eggs at the correct humidity prior to incubation which is a humidity of 70-80%.
- Make sure the stored eggs are turned twice daily before they are incubated.
- Keep the stored eggs in an egg carton and prop up one end at a 35 degree angle.
Check out the following books about incubating and hatching eggs.
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