39 eggs in incubator question

[sjutton]

Ok, this is our third hatch.

First hatch - nothing - long story revolving around oil on eggs.

Second hatch - 9 out of 14 - we were pleased and the chicks are now around 4 months and we are looking forward to eggs!

Third hatch - 39 eggs - due this wednesday - we are acting as surrogate parents for the lady we got our fertile eggs from since she has had a predator issue. New coop and now she's ready to restock her flock.

Now for the question: I see egg cartons used in LOTS of your pictures. With the 14 we just put them on the grate thing. With 39 should I use the carton approach? Is it safer for the chicks that are still working on coming through? Or will the early birds still step on them?

Any help would be so appreciated!

 

[MandyH]

I have always used the egg cartons for YEARS now. I do it so there isn't as much mess and clean up, it seems easier on the chicks because they don't get rolled around and drown in the egg, and they don't get stepped on as much, BUT I really started doing my hatches this way to save space. When you are hatching out 600 chicks at a time, this is much easier on me too.

 

[sjutton]

I think we'll try it since even with 14 they kept knocking each other around.

Does it matter on the material - strofoam or cardboard?

 

[poulet]

you need to be carefull with the card board , if you need to get your humidity up with damp cloths ever as the cardboard absorbs the damp and then it stays in one area on the egg. This has happened to me and I read another post that had had the same problem good luck

 

[sjutton]

Thanks! After reading another post I'm wondering if they'll even fit in a Little Giant?

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

We're in the same boat - I've got 41 eggs and a LG and I don't think that many cartons will fit but I was wondering too about the cardboard vs the styrofoam.

Is the styrofoam better?

 

[sjutton]

Sounds like it with the humidity issue.

I think I'll just wing it!