How to hatch call ducklings? ***Updated questions!****

[michellemcfeely]

I started with the auto-egg turner but have since removed it and started hand turning after reading posts on BYC.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Would the times 8 am, 5 pm, and 10 pm, be okay for hand turning?

 

[SilkieSensation]

Would the times 8 am, 5 pm, and 10 pm, be okay for hand turning?

As long as you do an odd number of times as often as possible just spread your times out over the day as far as you can. That way with an odd number of turns it puts the egg on the opposite side for the long period each night.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So I received my eggs today (a dozen + 1 extra) and most of them have detached air cells. What exactly should I do? Thanks.

 

[michellemcfeely]

This article is where I have been sent it has a lot of info

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...t-of-damaged-and-mal-positioned-egg-air-cells

 

[SilkieSensation]

So I received my eggs today (a dozen + 1 extra) and most of them have detached air cells. What exactly should I do? Thanks.

Place your eggs in cartons with pointy end down for 24 hours then move the entire carton into the incubator. DO NOT turn for 3-4 days. After 3-4 days, turn by tilting the end or side of the carton only. Do not use an auto turner for damaged air cells. Sometimes they will reattach, sometimes they don't, but this gives them the best chances. If air cells look stable at lockdown eggs can be laid on their sides for hatch (I lay them down no matter what). If they still look wobbly you can leave them in the cartons, but watch very closely during hatch to make sure none pip too low on the egg & the cartons don't interfere with hatching.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Thank you! I'm not actually sure what kind of air cells they have. Can I post a pic/video and you fellow BYCers be able to tell me?

 

[PoultryGirly]

I tried to get pictures but my camera wouldn't detect the air cell. I also noticed that some of my air cells have big dip-downs on one side of the egg also with the air cell at the big end of the egg.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Also, should I set them now or let them settle for 24 hours or so?

 

[SilkieSensation]

Let them settle 24 hours before setting. The wonky shaped air cells are caused by rough handling & are an indicator of trauma to the eggs. I would start them out in cartons & candle at day 3 to check air cells before beginning to turn.