4 day staggered hatch lockdown

[JinxieJem]

Hi everyone,
I have silkie and pekin bantam eggs due to go into lockdown in 2 days. In the same incubator I have various large fowl eggs that are 4 days behind.
I don't have another incubator, so when the first set of eggs go into lockdown would it be OK to not turn the other set until the first ones hatch and are removed?
I didn't plan a staggered hatch, it just turned out that way. One set was posted and the others I picked up locally.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yes it is OK to quit turning the others. The critical time for turning is the first 2 weeks.
I usually wait to 'lock down' an extra day to 18 hours as long as it is before any pipping.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't have another incubator, so when the first set of eggs go into lockdown would it be OK to not turn the other set until the first ones hatch and are removed?

I agree, four days difference is perfect to stop turning. The two main reasons to turn is that turning keeps the yolks or developing chicks from touching the inside of the porous shell where they can get stuck and it helps body parts form in the right spots. With chicken eggs a membrane has formed around the chick to protect it against getting stuck and body parts have formed in the right places by 14 days. No need to turn after that.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Recent research shows that early turning also develops the amniotic and chorion-allantois membranes that improves utilization of nutrition.

https://www.pasreform.com/en/knowledge/10/the-biology-behind-egg-turning

 

[Ridgerunner]

Interesting article, there is always more to learn. That's why I said the two main reasons instead of the two reasons, there is always something else. Now I'll have to think how I phrase that in the future to be more accurate. Thanks.

But the conclusion is still the same Jinxie. After 14 days no reason to turn them.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Well as I said, it is recent research and the reasons you mentioned were the long held opinions.
I believe I remember another paper that looked at the frequency of turning performed by setting red jungle fowl. They did so extremely frequently the first several days of incubation. I think it was in the neighborhood of every 20 minutes.

I always like reading your write-ups. They are always very comprehensive and spot on.

 

[JinxieJem]

Great, thank you very much for your help.