Do you use paper towel etc on grate?

[Digby57]

I'm on my third hatch. On my first two I was using chux (like used at hospitals, non-permeable on one side / absorbent on the other) over the grate when I set the eggs. I am worried I'm sucking moisture out of the eggs by doing that, so this time I put them directly on the grate. Its the plastic grate that comes with a Genesis 1588.

I see it done both ways. Any advice?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I just set them on the grate so the air can circulate between the eggs.

 

[casportpony]

I'm on my third hatch. On my first two I was using chux (like used at hospitals, non-permeable on one side / absorbent on the other) over the grate when I set the eggs. I am worried I'm sucking moisture out of the eggs by doing that, so this time I put them directly on the grate. Its the plastic grate that comes with a Genesis 1588.

I see it done both ways. Any advice?

I use paper towel or no-slip shelf liner at hatch time.

 

[Sneebsey]

I've used rubber 'anti-slip' mats, though googling about now, I can't find any like them; it's essentially a solid sheet of thin, textured rubber. I wouldn't want to use anything absorbent as you will affect the humidity.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I use paper towel or no-slip shelf liner at hatch time.

During hatch/lock down, I place bamboo skewers in lots of rows to sort of keep the eggs from rolling around from the early birds. Like wheel chalks.

 

[casportpony]

During hatch/lock down, I place bamboo skewers in lots of rows to sort of keep the eggs from rolling around from the early birds. Like wheel chalks.

Good idea. I worry about the grate and their umbilicus which is why I cover mine.

 

[Digby57]

I was worried about them catching a toe in the grate seeing how they flop around so much. I'm hoping to improve my hatch rate, so just trying to change one thing at a time and this seems like one that's very easy to try to change.

 

[Digby57]

Well, hatch went off just like the last 2. Same percentage and no toe injuries, so I’ll try it again on my final hatch for this year. It didn’t seem to help or hurt on this go around.