How long can they survive without warmth?

Question

Anyone know how long freshly laid pigeon eggs can survive until they can be incubatated?

(No jokes or wisecracks allowed!)

Answer 1

If they have not started incubation yet, they should be good for a couple of days. If incubation has started, they shouldn't be without warmth for long at all.

Answer 2

Eight to ten days. They don't start developing until they reach the temperature needed to incubate. Keep them cool and DRY, to prevent any bacteria growth and they'll be fine. Eggs which aren't kept in a cool dry environment will develope bacteria and fewer chicks will hatch (generally, Don't put them in the basement where mold and humidity are usually high. A closet is best.). Also, eggs which are allowed to reach above ninety degrees will start to develop and then die when the temperature isn't sustained.

After ten days you'll see a dramatic reduction in the number of chicks that hatch.

I sometimes will mix a half cup of bleach with a gallon of water and dip the eggs to kill bacteria, then dry them carefully without rubbing (which can clog the pores that give the embryo air). It doesn't hurt the eggs at all. Don't over handle the eggs, as the bacteria from your hands WILL enter the pores of the eggs. With a little preventative care, your eggs will do fine stored for up to ten days.

Answer 3

It has been my experience with eggs is that the incubation starts immediately. I would keep the eggs as warm as possible until you can set up your incubater. Try covering them with a soft cloth and putting a light near them this should help simulate the warmth of the parents. Good Luck.

Answer 4

For chickens, they can sit around for about two weeks and still be fertile, although after a few days the number that hatch will decrease.

Don't put them in the fridge!

Answer 5

keep them in warm water.

just like if you were to poach them

Answer 6

probably only a few hours.