The avian embryo is amazing and exciting. In only three weeks, a

not, keep them in a cool, humid room. The best storage conditions are near 55
o
F. with 75 

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percent humidity. The vegetable section of your refrigerator is a suitable area. The 
temperature should not drop below 40
o
F. or hatchability will be reduced. The cool 
temperature will delay embryonic growth until incubation begins, and the high humidity 
will keep the eggs from drying out. 
Incubate the eggs as soon as possible to prevent reduction in hatchability. The hatchability 
of eggs older than seven to ten days decreases rapidly; at three weeks, it reaches zero 
percent. If the eggs are not incubated within three to four days, turn them daily. Turning 
the eggs prevents the yolks from touching the shell and injuring the embryo. Plan ahead to 
avoid storage problems and reduced hatches. 
Don't save excessively dirty eggs for hatching. These eggs can contaminate other eggs or 
chicks. Clean slightly soiled eggs by sanding them lightly with fine sandpaper. Don't sand 
them hard enough to make the shell thin or weak. Never wash hatching eggs because this 
forces bacteria through the shell and into the eggs. 
The eggs should warm to room temperature before being placed in the incubator. The 
shock of warming the eggs too rapidly will cause moisture to condense on the shell; this 
may lead to disease or a reduced hatch. 
Incubation Procedures 
Because the incubator is not well insulated and will be opened frequently when the eggs are 
turned, keep the machine in a room where the temperature is between 70
o
 and 75
o
F. 
(Normal room temperatures are satisfactory.) Do not place the incubator near windows