Hatching Store-Bought Eggs Need Advice!

[SunriseChirp]

Hello everyone!

Ive seen some incredible stories about people successfully hatching chicks from store-bought eggs, and Im really curious to try it myself. I usually buy the high-end "free-range, organic, farm-fresh" eggs from Aldi, and recently, I got a carton that had a lot of bloom and even a few feathers on them. As I cracked them open, I noticed several had the telltale signs of fertilization.

A little backgroundI used to have a flock and even hatched my own chicks before, but unfortunately, predators wiped them out about two years ago. This year, Im starting over, and Id love to see if I can hatch some of these store-bought eggs as part of my new flock. I already have an incubator (a basic styrofoam one from my local feed store), but Im also considering upgrading to a better model soon.

For those who have tried hatching store-bought eggs before, what steps did you take to give them the best chance? Do they need to be at room temperature before incubation? Should I candle them right away or wait a few days? Do I need to do anything different compared to hatching eggs from my own flock?

Id really appreciate any advice from those with experience. And pleasekind responses only! Im here to learn and give these potential chicks the best start possible.

Thanks in advance!

[HenEnthusiast]

Id say go for it! Worst case, nothing hatches, but best case, you get a surprise chick or two. Its always fun to experiment with incubation.

[HennaHatcher]

If the eggs were refrigerated at any point, hatching might be tricky. Some commercial eggs are stored at lower temps that can damage the embryo. But if they weren't chilled, you might have a chance!

[CoopBuilder]

Store-bought eggs can have weak embryos due to handling and transport. Even if they are fertilized, they might not develop well. But it's always worth trying!

[EggsAndThings]

Be patient! Sometimes store eggs take a bit longer to develop if they weren't stored under perfect conditions. Just monitor them closely.

[HenHaven]

Since you got them from a free-range farm, there's a good chance they are fertile. Make sure your incubator is running at the right temp and humidity before setting them.

[FlockVoyager]

I've tried hatching store-bought eggs before, and while it's possible, the success rate can be low. Make sure you candle them after a few days to check for development. Good luck!

[FlockFather]

Hello everyone!

Ive seen some incredible stories about people successfully hatching chicks from store-bought eggs, and Im really curious to try it myself. I usually buy the high-end "free-range, organic, farm-fresh" eggs from Aldi, and recently, I got a carton that had a lot of bloom and even a few feathers on them. As I cracked them open, I noticed several had the telltale signs of fertilization.

A little backgroundI used to have a flock and even hatched my own chicks before, but unfortunately, predators wiped them out about two years ago. This year, Im starting over, and Id love to see if I can hatch some of these store-bought eggs as part of my new flock. I already have an incubator (a basic styrofoam one from my local feed store), but Im also considering upgrading to a better model soon.

For those who have tried hatching store-bought eggs before, what steps did you take to give them the best chance? Do they need to be at room temperature before incubation? Should I candle them right away or wait a few days? Do I need to do anything different compared to hatching eggs from my own flock?

Id really appreciate any advice from those with experience. And pleasekind responses only! Im here to learn and give these potential chicks the best start possible.

Thanks in advance!

Make sure to avoid opening the incubator too often, especially during lockdown. Humidity drops can cause issues with hatch rates, and store eggs already have enough challenges.

[PluckyPeep]

One trick is to check for the bullseye on the yolk before setting them. If you've already seen that they're fertile, you've got a shot at success!

[EggWiseScholar]

I actually hatched two chicks from a grocery store carton once! Just incubate them like normal, keep humidity stable, and candle them on day 7. You never know what might happen!