alternatives to hatching in egg cartons?

[fowlwoman1]

I like the fact that hatching in a carton is cleaner in the bator, but I'm afraid for the chicks that pip from the side or bottom. any ideas?

 

[hwerner]

I like to put a piece of first aid gauze under the eggs a few days prior to hatching. The eggs are all directly on the mesh in incubator to avoid possible problems of chick hatching like you said from side or bottom. The gauze absorbs and is pretty clean for the bator also.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I cut the bottom of the carton out, that way if the chick pips on the bottom it can still breath. It also provides air cirulation.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I use rings cut from either papertowel rolls or t-paper rolls-about 1/2 inch or so.

 

[chickenlady]

I also cut the bottoms out of the egg cartons. I have not had a problem yet with chicks hatching on the wrong end. I just had two this morning pip in the small end and are successfully out now. I also had one pip very low in the carton and still make it out.

 

[donnap1967]

I cut out the indented sides so air could circulate around the eggs. It left the carton with 'V' shaped cups. I had one pip near the side and one that pipped at the bottom. Both hatched just fine.

I don't have a great pic of the carton but you can sort of see what I mean with the emty cup on the top left corner. I cut out the three indented sides with a razor blade...very carefully.

Found another picture:

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Look at that baby zip!!