How long can a egg sit in hold prior to incubating?

It is generally recommended to incubate eggs as soon as possible after they are collected.

Here's why:

* Fertility: The longer eggs are stored, the lower their fertility rate becomes.

* Hatch Rate: Even if fertilized, eggs stored for long periods may have a lower hatch rate.

* Incubation Period: Eggs stored for a while may take longer to incubate.

* Quality: Stored eggs may lose moisture and quality, impacting the developing chick.

However, there are some general guidelines:

* Chicken eggs: Can be stored for up to 7-10 days at room temperature (60-70°F) with high humidity.

* Duck and goose eggs: Can be stored for 10-14 days at room temperature with high humidity.

* Turkey eggs: Can be stored for 7 days at room temperature with high humidity.

Storage Tips:

* Store eggs in a cool, dark, and humid environment.

* Turn eggs daily to prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell.

* Store eggs with the pointed end down.

Important Note: These guidelines are general. It's best to consult specific recommendations for the breed of poultry you are raising.

Overall, the best practice is to incubate eggs as soon as possible for the highest chance of successful hatching.