Egg Carton Hatching Good or Bad???

[Jess N Jeff]

I've tried both methods several different times. I have not noticed a difference either way.

For me, the carton is cleaner and it keeps the hatching eggs from getting rolled around by the already hatched chicks. I guess its just personal opinion.

If I only have a couple of eggs I lay them down.

 

[6littlechickies]

I've used both methods. I've done some hatches on their sides and i've even split a hatch with some on their sides and some in cartons. I haven't noticed any significant difference in hatch rates on the different methods however I have noticed a few things. First off, if I am hatching shipped eggs, I tend to use cartons b/c it seems like it works better for the ones that half misshapen air cells. I have noted that it tends to take longer for them to zip around and pop the top off but once they do the chicks are stronger and start perking up quicker.

If I am using my egg turner I often use cartons too b/c then the eggs stay in a position they have been throughout incubation. If I hand turn I often leave them on their sides to hatch to keep that same condition from incubation.

Using the egg cartons really does make a HUGE difference in clean up. Another thing that helps with clean up is using some of that non sticky shelf liner (it's blue in the pics below). I find that liner helps the chicks get a better footing and makes clean up a lot easier, regardless of which method you use. For $5 I can get about 10 cycles worth of eggs so I don't feel guilty tossing it out after hatch. Only thing is to make sure there is room around the edges to still be able to add water in case I need to up humidity during hatch.

If I put them in an egg carton I use a cardboard one and use a pair of scissors to poke holes in the bottom of each cup for ventilation.

Another thing I have been doing the last few hatches is to trace around the air cell before lockdown so I can see where they 'should' be pipping. Interestingly enough, it is often a great predictor of where they will pip and the zip line around the shell, almost like I'm tracing a path for them!

here are some pics of incubations in cartons, sorry for attaching so many, found it hard to just pick a couple! I'm a picture nut so I have a ton.

good luck with your hatch and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

 

[lorad]

Great pictures-maybe I'll try this another hatch- its frustrating finding pipped, and partially zipped eggs dead because they got rolled over by their hatchmates. I fight the urge to remove hatched chicks during "lockdown", but "suffocated" eggs are one reason to do this.
Lora

 

[peachychick]

Does anyone know why it matters (or how it hurts) if the eggs are moved around by the others while a chick is trying to hatch out? Does the mother hen move or wiggle any when hatching naturally?

 

[rancher hicks]

I noticed that w/ one of my broodies she had made the nest very deep. Like a deep bowl. So I wonder if it's so the eggs can be turned like they would be if they were in the carton. Tomorrow is lock down for me too and I'm going to use the cartons. Not the most important eggs but we shall see. Stay tuned.

 

[Mrs. Feathers]

I tried the carton method last time and on this hatch I am not going to use it. I found that for my little ones that basically pip and pop out of the shell it was fabulous. I had two die after zipping and when I went to take them out after the hatch I found that the eggs were stuck in the carton from the little bit of goop from the other chicks hatching. I am not sure if this made a difference to the ones that did not make it...maybe they were weaker anyways. I can`t help but wonder if they just could not get out with movement of the whole egg being limited.
I think there are benefits to both and it is a personal choice.
The shelf liner is awesome. I have used cheesecloth in the past and this is far superior. As well as being soft and giving good ventilation I think the texture allows for the chicks to get up on their feet easier and get those legs strengthened.
Whatever you choose to do it is all part of our learning and deciding what works best for each of us.
Good luck with your hatch! I have two more weeks and time is dragging!

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
I know this thread is sort of old, but i wanted to answer this question.

My hens have helped out struggling eggs by turning them, etc. Of course, they are able to do this without compromising humidity, etc. But yes, they do wiggle around, but mostly they seem to keep the eggs stable.