New chicks in 21 days!
Some people worry if the chicken keeper has a rooster, if they will be eating a possible chick. As long as the eggs are being collected daily, the eggs are no different! Here is a chart of how long it takes a chick to develop.
If you don't have a rooster and opt to purchase eggs to hatch and give them to a broody hen or incubate them in a machine, it is good information to know so you know when to expect fluffy chicks and to check on them regularly and if one doesn't develop, to get rid of it. Rotten eggs will explode in the incubator!
If you have a rooster, you may decide from time-to-time to hatch some eggs. If anyone buys or takes eggs from you, it is especially important to collect the eggs daily. If you forget for a day or two, that is okay. It is also important that eggs are kept cool. A hen's temperature that sits on the egg is above 100 degrees so very little concern once the eggs are taken, they would develop beyond what they have in a day or two. The only difference is what's called a "bulls eye" on the yolk.