Can anyone tell me their experiances off hatching using egg boxes

[neferset]

Actually it's still no good to hatch in a turner. Even the manufacturer instructions say to take it out when going into lockdown. If you have an auto turner, it's best to either hatch in cartons or hatch with the eggs placed on their sides. Otherwise, the chicks can get hung up between the turner racks and break those tiny little legs.

 

[bantiesrule]

Quote:
I hatched for years with the eggs just laying on their sides until I tried the egg carton method this last year. Much, much easier to clean up and the chicks that hatch out first aren't rolling the rest of the eggs around. I'm not sure but it seems like the chicks have an easier time of it also. I don't think I'll ever go back to just letting them lay in there.
As to how, it is recommended to cut some holes in the bottom of the carton for air circulation. (I did this but I really don't know if it matters as the air cell should be on the top anyway.) Then on the last day that you turn them, place them in the cartons, air cell up and let them be.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
I've done this both ways too and haven't ever been able to tell a difference. I've had 100% hatches without cutting holes in the bottoms of the cartons, so I can't say that it helps. Whatever makes you feel better I suppose.

 

[bigdawg]

the easy cleanup is not the issue. my question is what do the chicks do when they hatch? do they try to get out? sit in there shell? hatching in a turner no way big problems, wouldnt even consider doing that. i have 41 in a hovabator and i am just not sure of the egg carton method with that many in there. but i really want to try doing it that way to improve my hatch rate. can any one help on my questions thanks......................................

 

[SunnyChic]

I've never had a full incubator when I've used egg cartons, so I don't know about it being to crowded, but I did have 7 hatch today using an egg carton. Like others have said, having the eggs in the carton keeps the ones already hatched from kicking the unhatched eggs around like footballs. I think it helps them to turn in the egg when zipping, too. Here's pics of one hatching:

Note: please ignore the temperature on the thermometer/hygrometer (it's wrong). I was just using it to measure the humidity.

 

[bigdawg]

thanks you so much for the info. looks like i will need a very bright flashlight and do my best culling the bad eggs at day 18. or if i still have to many i will fire up my big home maid sportsman type bator and put the egg flats in there were they will have more room thanks again

 

[SunnyChic]

Quote:

Best of luck with your hatch!

I bought an old slide projector on eBay to use for candling eggs, and it works GREAT!

I couldn't believe how well I could see inside the eggs on day 18; I even saw veins and movement from the chicks.

 

[bigdawg]

Quote:

Best of luck with your hatch!

I bought an old slide projector on eBay to use for candling eggs, and it works GREAT!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/24456_bcfks9qcgkkgrhqih-dwequzcc0fbk0s9uqf5g_35.jpg

I couldn't believe how well I could see inside the eggs on day 18; I even saw veins and movement from the chicks.

wow never thought of something like that. i took some eggs last year to a kindergarden class and the teacher had a microscope type thing. not cheap but you could really see inside the egg. i went 3 times to look at the development. it was cool.................

 

[mulia24]

well, seems like you have get the answer, hope that will answer your question.

sorry to not answer it punctually, well, that's because when you're working, i'm sleeping, we have about 12 hours time difference.

 

[rarebreedeggs4u]

Quote:
I hatched for years with the eggs just laying on their sides until I tried the egg carton method this last year. Much, much easier to clean up and the chicks that hatch out first aren't rolling the rest of the eggs around. I'm not sure but it seems like the chicks have an easier time of it also. I don't think I'll ever go back to just letting them lay in there.
As to how, it is recommended to cut some holes in the bottom of the carton for air circulation. (I did this but I really don't know if it matters as the air cell should be on the top anyway.) Then on the last day that you turn them, place them in the cartons, air cell up and let them be.

I put my six in the paper cartons, no holes, last tuesday and had six healthy BOUNCING chicks on Saturday