BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[bnjrob]

I was looking for information regarding egg positioning at hatch. Since I'm using an auto turner should I remove the turner and put the eggs on their sides for the last 3 days? No turning correct?

Yes, remove the turner. They need to be able to get into position to be able to quickly get to air for hatching. You can put them on their sides if that works for you.

I have found that I like to keep them upright, big end up just like in the turner. It helps keep them from rolling around so much, they seem to get better traction to shove the shell off of themselves instead of wasting so much time and energy rolling around. And once one or two hatches, the chicks can get rambunctious and start rolling the unhatched eggs all over the place. I cut an egg carton into sections, cut a hole in the bottom of each egg compartment, so that air can get through to most parts of the eggs, and stick the eggs in.

 

[ronott1]

I was looking for information regarding egg positioning at hatch. Since I'm using an auto turner should I remove the turner and put the eggs on their sides for the last 3 days? No turning correct?

Yes, remove the turner. They need to be able to get into position to be able to quickly get to air for hatching. You can put them on their sides if that works for you.

I have found that I like to keep them upright, big end up just like in the turner. It helps keep them from rolling around so much, they seem to get better traction to shove the shell off of themselves instead of wasting to much time and energy rolling around. And once one or two hatches, the chicks can get rambunctious and start rolling the unhatched eggs all over the place. I cut an egg carton into sections, cut a hole in the bottom of each egg compartment, so that air can get through to most parts of the eggs, and stick the eggs in.

Like this:





The tops are cut off to allow for air flow.

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

I'm about to do my first incubator hatch. ALways done hen hatching.

Bought one with an auto turner. It seems to be keeping them tilted to the right and then every 2 hours slowly turns them left and then back to the right. Is this correct? Seems like the should stay left and then stay right (I mean for 2 hours each side).

What do your do? I posted a thread que on this so sorry if you already responded.

I need to know in case I should contact company.

 

[ronott1]

I'm about to do my first incubator hatch. ALways done hen hatching.

Bought one with an auto turner. It seems to be keeping them tilted to the right and then every 2 hours slowly turns them left and then back to the right. Is this correct? Seems like the should stay left and then stay right (I mean for 2 hours each side).

What do your do? I posted a thread que on this so sorry if you already responded.

I need to know in case I should contact company.

The eggs need to tilt to the correct angle three or more times a day.

It sounds like the turner is working correctly for you.

Added: The purpose of tilting is to make the embryo develop evenly in the shell. If the egg was never turned, the blood vessels would be on one side and that will cause some embryos to die. Turning also helps with the development of the chick--without turning, there can be some birth defects.

Have a great hatch!

 

[ocap]

I'm about to do my first incubator hatch. ALways done hen hatching.

Bought one with an auto turner. It seems to be keeping them tilted to the right and then every 2 hours slowly turns them left and then back to the right. Is this correct? Seems like the should stay left and then stay right (I mean for 2 hours each side).

What do your do? I posted a thread que on this so sorry if you already responded.

I need to know in case I should contact company.

the egg should tilt right for two hours then left for two hours, contact the company and describe what you are seeing to them.

 

[ocap]

A larger pelvis width theoretically can render a larger egg, but not always. But a wider, flexible pelvis will allow for a larger egg with less risk of strain and injury to the hen - decreasing risk of egg binding or of straining to get an egg out and ending up with a prolapsed vent.

We have some pinched tailed hens that will lay an extra large egg, in weight, but the eggs themselves are not as aesthetically pleasing, being more elongated and sometimes just having an odd looking shell or shape as compared to the eggs from wider hens. Those pinched tailed hens have also occasionally had some blood smears on the extra large eggs they have laid that were wider instead of longer. Our wider hens have never had blood smears on their egg shells even when the eggs were quite wide.

if I understand.....the wider the egg the better the hen would be the correlation (not total weight of egg)

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

the egg should tilt right for two hours then left for two hours, contact the company and describe what you are seeing to them.

Thanks. I thought so! That's what I see my hen do!!!!

Seems like incubator hatching will be stressful.

 

[chickadoodles]

Quote: Ron my Chantecler's out lay my Buckeye's every week. I am going to start a chart to keep track and see the actual numbers. But the Buckeye started laying only a couple of months ago. I know that 5 days a week my Chanties will have eggs and laid all winter even during their molt just not as much.

 

[ronott1]

Ron my Chantecler's out lay my Buckeye's every week. I am going to start a chart to keep track and see the actual numbers. But the Buckeye started laying only a couple of months ago. I know that 5 days a week my Chanties will have eggs and laid all winter even during their molt just not as much.

That is a good reason to have northern breeds down south--They will lay with less day light.

Both breeds are great!

 

[chickadoodles]

Thanks Ron. I have really enjoyed watching them grow they are huge birds. The first time I picked up the Buckeye cockerel I had never held a bird that heavy before he is solid and beautiful! I have been trying to wait on the pens to dry out on a weekend for pics but it is raining nearly every weekend here.