REasons to rest your eggs
Rest for 12-24 Hours
1. Temperature Stabilization: During shipping, eggs can experience fluctuations in temperature. Allowing them to rest helps them reach a stable temperature, which is crucial for successful incubation.
2. Air Cell Reformation: Eggs have an air cell that can shift during handling and transport. Resting allows the air cell to settle back into its proper position, promoting better development of the embryo during incubation.
3. Minimized Stress: The journey can be stressful for the eggs, and resting helps reduce shock. This period allows the internal structures, including the yolk and embryo, to stabilize.
4. Moisture Equilibrium: Eggs may lose moisture during shipping. Resting allows the eggs to equilibrate, which is important for maintaining humidity levels during incubation.
5. Prevention of Bacterial Contamination: Allowing eggs to rest can minimize the risk of bacteria entering the eggs through pores in the shell, especially if the eggs have been handled during shipping.
Bacterial Contamination prevention
1. Stabilization of the Shell: When eggs are shipped, they may experience bumps or impacts, which can create tiny cracks or weaken the shell's integrity. Allowing the eggs to rest helps stabilize the shell's structure, reducing the chance of these tiny cracks expanding further. While resting doesn't repair cracks, it minimizes the risk of additional damage that could make them more susceptible to contamination.
2. Reduced Movement: Resting the eggs means they are not being handled or moved around, which helps to prevent any further stress on the shell. The less the eggs are disturbed, the lower the risk of opening any small cracks that may have formed during shipping.
3. Environmental Stability: Rapid changes in temperature and humidity can exacerbate any weaknesses in the shell. By allowing the eggs to rest in a stable environment, you reduce the likelihood of temperature-induced condensation, which can create moisture on the surface of the shell. This moisture can transport bacteria through any existing cracks or pores in the shell.
4. Cuticle Protection: The cuticle is a natural barrier that protects the egg from bacteria. When eggs are shipped, handling might damage this protective layer. Resting allows any slight disruptions to settle, and if the eggs are placed in a stable environment, it can help maintain the integrity of the cuticle.