Egg Carton Hatching Method Feedback *UPDATE*Tried It*Relults*

[twigg]

Quote:
Well the concept is what seems interesting, the price, otoh .....

OUCH!

 

[chickiepoo]

Interesting. But, really, under mama, the eggs are not really flat on their sides, are they? Mine, with the straw or hay or whatever settle with the pointy end slanted down and kind of "reclining". I thought that was the reason for the shape of the egg to begin with, and the reason for needing the nesting material. So, naturally, they are really neither straight up nor lieing flat on their sides.
I would also think the nesting material would cushion the unhatched eggs and also help keep them stable while the hatched chicks are moving around

 

[speckledhen]

My broody actually moved her eggs out of the coke crate nest with straw in it and onto the floor of her cage when they were about to hatch, for some reason, so they werent really tilted. I have no idea why she did it, only shavings were on the floor, so it was relatively flat.

 

[living2ride]

Quote:
No, the plastic ones would be preferable, they can be sanitised.

I'm concerned about potential fumes given off by the heated plastic/foam, so I've used new cardboard cartons. I've used this method for two hatches, and the chicks that hatched were not hindered by the cartons, and clean up was easier. I won't comment on my hatch rate however because it wasn't great - BUT I have also discovered that the thermometer I was previously using was apparently failing and was reading higher than the temp actually was. I think low temps were the main cause of my lousy hatches (and a few chick problems) NOT the carton method. I have a new batch in the bator now, in cartons from the get-go. I'm turning by alternating raising each side of the carton throughout the day. I will then continue on to hatch in the carton as well. I also have three, yes three NEW (and different types/brands) thermometers in use on this batch and feel pretty confident that my temps are correct this time.

 

[twigg]

Quote:
No, the plastic ones would be preferable, they can be sanitised.

I'm concerned about potential fumes given off by the heated plastic/foam, so I've used new cardboard cartons. I've used this method for two hatches, and the chicks that hatched were not hindered by the cartons, and clean up was easier. I won't comment on my hatch rate however because it wasn't great - BUT I have also discovered that the thermometer I was previously using was apparently failing and was reading higher than the temp actually was. I think low temps were the main cause of my lousy hatches (and a few chick problems) NOT the carton method. I have a new batch in the bator now, in cartons from the get-go. I'm turning by alternating raising each side of the carton throughout the day. I will then continue on to hatch in the carton as well. I also have three, yes three NEW (and different types/brands) thermometers in use on this batch and feel pretty confident that my temps are correct this time.

They heating is only *hand-hot*, remember .... but use the others if you prefer.

The plastics are food grade, and should be safe in all expected ambient temps in the US, which exceed 100F

 

[claud]

Quote:
Yes, I know what you mean. It does seem reasonable to try to mimic a hen. Hmmmmm...........

 

[chickiepoo]

Speckled Hen, Well go figure. They do strange things sometimes. I really meant in general, though, and meant to phrase it in a way that I am asking if those "assumptions" are right.
Sorry, I forgot how to do the quote thing.

 

[twigg]

I answered this in another thread ....

Go look up Contact Incubator

http://www.brinsea.co.uk

 

[tnkinhunting]

I haven't had year's and year's of experience incubating eggs, but several, and I was amazed at the carton method. Mine zipped out llike little wood peckers - I was really impressed and we have been using it in our cabinet bator, with great results. Our's have been faster, cleaner hatches. I, personally, believe the knocking the eggs about causes a lot of chicks to die in the shell.

 

[twigg]

oops