Air Cell On The Bottom - Advice Needed

[thechickonthehill]

Yesterday I candled my eggs (day 10) and I have one that seems to be developing nicely except the air cell is on the bottom! What would be the best position for this egg at lockdown? It is a Faverolles egg, which is rounder than many breeds - not a lot of difference in the size of the top and bottom ends. Should I put it air cell up (I am planning to hatch in egg cartons) or would it be better to lay the egg on its side on the wire? Do chicks orient themselves up to hatch? or towards the air cell? Any thoughts from those with hatching experience would be appreciated.

 

[Mahonri]

I'd put the air cell up.

 

[smarsh]

i had a breech baby hatch last fall upside down, but i would turn the air pocket up too.

 

[bigstack]

Im still new to hatching but from what I understand, the air cell is where they get the room to move the head from under the wings to pip and zip. That being said I would turn the air cell up regardless of wich end it's on. I guess for safety you could just place it on the wire if you have the room. Wouldn't hurt, Better safe than sorry!
Good Luck and God Bless!

 

[thechickonthehill]

Thanks! I was kind of leaning that way but just wondered if there was some reason not to that I didn't know about. Guess I'll find out next week.

 

[IggiMom]

Well, my goodness. In lockdown, all my eggs are on their sides, so I don't see how it would matter. Can you not put it on its side?

Catherine

 

[thechickonthehill]

Quote:
Catherine,

I plan to hatch in egg cartons so that was what I wasn't sure about - should I put it in the carton air cell up or just lay it on the wire on its side? I just wonder does anyone actually know - do the chicks automatically orient themselves upright or do they orient to the air cell ? Seems like "up" would be hard if the egg is on its side but, of course that is the way they are in a nest usually. Maybe they do orient to the air cell?

 

[IggiMom]

Well shoot--good questions! I wish I knew. I always lay mine on their sides. I have never done the egg carton method. If I had room, I might do them in the bottom of paper cups.

I won't have too bad a cleanup though, because I do usually cover most of the wire, just leaving enough off to add water, with shelf liner that I get at the Family Dollar.

If the power goes off again, they may be living in their incubator after they hatch for a while, because I don't see how I can keep them warm in a brooder without electricity.

It is time my husband bought us a generator, right?

Catherine