How long can eggs sit

[aj_matt]

I have ordered hatching eggs for a few years now and enjoy the process more than getting stressed and sometimes deceased day old chicks. So, I'm pretty aware of the process by now and the lower hatch rates and other pitfalls of ordering hatching eggs.

Typically, when I order these eggs, they're shipped to arrive within 3-4 days of being picked. So, picked and immediately shipped and I have them in-hand within a few days. I have gotten some notification this year that USPS has raised their prices, but the people that email me about them are upfront and I'm more than willing to pay the additional shipping fees.

I just received an email saying that my eggs just shipped and when I checked the tracking they are set to arrive on the 7th of March (it's the first), so 6 whole days from now. And after that they'll have to sit for at least 12 hours to settle. I was always under the impression that hatching eggs need to go in the incubator within 7 days of picking, hence the quicker shipping.

Will these eggs be okay being in transit for 6 whole days? I am somewhat disappointed because these were expensive to order. I don't really know what to do now that I know ahead of time the hatch rate will be quite low. Has anyone ever successfully incubated eggs that were picked 7-10 days before? Thank you in advance!

 

[SueT]

Eggs can easily wait 2 or 3 weeks, even longer, tho the sooner you incubate the better. I have always hatched our own eggs, and there was no problem with 2 weeks. Shipping is another issue that contributes to hatch rate, I have no experience with that.

 

[GirlsHuntToo]

I have let my hatching eggs (from my hens) in egg cartons in storage in my cupboards for 3 weeks before. I got a 75% hatch rate.

 

[SourRoses]

I usually collect for long periods of time. Up to 3 weeks.
The way the eggs are stored matters. They should be kept cool, upright in cartons and tilted (turned) regularly.
So for your purchased eggs to be spending that extra time in shipping is not necessarily going to be the same thing.
That's days of unknown temperatures, unknown air cell orientation, unknown handling.
Whether your hatch rate is significantly lowered is a guessing game.
I would stay in communication with the seller about the situation. Let them know the shipping time is not ideal, but you're willing to give the eggs a shot.
They should be willing to replace the eggs if the conditions prior to receiving them aren't good.
Make sure you candle the eggs when they arrive to document their air cell condition.
And you can forego "resting" the eggs by setting them in the incubator upright, such as in an egg carton. That way if they have been overheated and started to incubate, they have the best chance of survival.