For hatching to occur, the eggs must be fertile. Fertile eggs can be collected from hens who are housed with a rooster. Eggs sold in grocery stores are not fertile; therefore, they will not grow into baby chicks if placed in an incubator.

Chicken eggs that are destined for hatching are, appropriately enough, called hatching eggs. They are simply fertile eggs that will hatch when properly incubated. Table eggs (eggs for eating) differ in that they may or may not be fertile. Fertilization requires the presence of a rooster.

Make sure that your eggs are kept in a cool environment around 55-65°F with a relative humidity of 70-80%. Your fridge will be too cold for your fertilized chicken eggs. It is recommended that eggs are incubated within 7-10 days of being laid.