[chrismahon]

We run a rather complicated arrangement with eggs. The breeding eggs are kept for 7 days before eating. This is to keep some always aside for incubation in an emergency- predators, particularly stray Chasse dogs, are a big problem in France and chicken wire is not a defence. We could have a breeding set wiped out at any time and will have to replace them immediately.


In the UK we kept eggs in the cellar at 12 degrees. In the Dordogne it was cold in the house all year. Down here the house is around 22 -25 degrees for several months. Eggs are going 'off' in 14 days. So after a few dodgy stomachs they have all gone into the fridge which is running at between 5 and 8 degrees.


Are refrigerated eggs still OK for incubation/hatching? Another month and temperatures will drop, but at the moment we may be at risk of losing breeds during a large part of the year.

[regen]

Dont know about chickens but have had over 80% success rate with fridged turkey eggs- collected over a period of about 10 days and held in domestic fridge prior to incubation.

Regen

[landroverroy]

They'll be fine.

[Steph Hen]

Yes.

[sokel]

I have hatched Duck and bantam eggs from the fridge

[shygirl]

I think if they are refrigerated straight away its ok, but if allowed to develop a bit first then refrigerated then its a no-no.

[chrismahon]

Thanks for all the replies. We do refrigerate straight away, so I feel a lot happier now. Hopefully we won't have an emergency.