My question is is there any reason these eggs may NOT be fertile?
I'd like to take them off his hands for free or damn cheap. Thanks, Dave.
1. No, but Yes
2. Do it, it will be educational.
3. Everyone appreciates a good hand.
They are just as likely to be fertile. They are more likely to be a little old and have gotten invaded by bacteria. I don't even keep such eggs for omelets, except when I know there was not an egg on that spot a few hours beforehand. Your education may include exploding eggs. If you spend time around the place, help out a little, and he won't mind. Keep them covered with a damp paper towel. Candle them often starting at day 6-7 remove cracked/molded eggs carefully and immediately. You'll soon see why he doesn't use them (too time consuming, and you don't want a rotten egg explosion in the middle of 1000, or 10,000 eggs).
This may be worth your time, if you are careful.