can I stop turning my chicken eggs at day 14?

[Cheecky B]

Hi, I'm new to the lockdown stage and I am aware that it starts at day 18. I just wanted to find out, can I stop turning my chicken eggs at day 14? I'm not lazy or that lol, I'm just preparing for a proper lock down and want to start practicing from tomorrow (day 14)!!! Will this decrease hatch rate

 

[sumi]

After day 14 turning the eggs is not essential, but turning them is still beneficial for the embryos.

 

[happyhens1972]

Not sure why you would want to 'practice'....surely the best way to do that, is to follow the usual pattern of lockdown at 18 days by stopping turning and upping humidity. What do you achieve from doing it four days earlier? This probably sounds like I'm being irksome but I am genuinely interested to know why you don't want to wait.

 

[donrae]

I agree you don't need a practice. Just keep turning until day 18. If your incubator has been good temp and humidity wise until then, there's nothing to practice.

Oh, except keeping your hands off! I can see how that could be the hardest part....

 

[Cheecky B]

True. I candled them yesterday and I saw a movement inside. Will try not to touch them at that day.