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

[EweSheep]

I started using cardboard cartons for my hatching eggs this year and was pleased with the less clean up I got to deal with egg shells and all the yuckiness stays in there.

For those who dont want to use the egg holders, use the top lid of your cartons so your eggs will lay on its side. I have done both ways using top and bottom of cartons with good results.

It is interesting forum here about this. I dont see it as a problem and less eggs rolling around too!

 

[WriterofWords]

I've had mixed results and thoughts about it. I took some from the turner and put them in the carton in the hatcher. If I was there during the day to get them out quickly after hatching it seemed ok, but the ones that hatched during the night had trouble getting up and out and their abdomens seemed horribly swollen, they rocked on them literally. The ones that I put on their sides seemed to hatch just fine, but then I had several this last time that zipped the eggs put never pushed them open and died, this was also during the night. Now I feel like I have to stay up all night and help them!
I know I won't leave any in cartons overnight again, if they don't come out during the time I'm there watching I'll put them on their sides to hatch during the night. I do like Ewesheep's idea of the top of the carton, it would be easier to clean up and they could still get out easier.
K

 

[McGoo]

Should I use this method for my first hatch ever?

 

[Katy]

As I've said before I've had good results with this method and plan to continue. I've got some due the end of the week and on and off for the next 2 1/2 weeks and they'll all be going into cartons for their hatch. It's your choice.

 

[McGoo]

Katy,
I'm going with it - today is day 18 and they're all in the bator, in the open cartons, and I'm hoping for a few by the end of the week. Temps at 100.3, humidity is around 70%.

Thanks.

 

[KKluckers]

I've had wonderful results too. No more stuck to the wire or DIS chicks after pipping. Those early hatchers would normally kill 2-3 per hatch and now everyone healthy enough hatch's. I think this is such a great method and like to thank Jay (Zunibee)

I will definitely use this from now on.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Good luck with your hatch!

 

[RedStickLA]

I tried the egg carton method and had very good results...I had 100% hatch!

WriterofWords I was worried about the chicks getting out of the carton too. I trimed down the sides of the carton so that it would make it easier for the chicks to get out...and it worked well. They popped right out of the carton.

Mitzi

 

[hiddenmagnolia]

I have hatched eggs for over 30 years starting with the old metal style of incubator. Used those for ten years. Then finally was able to get a Sportsmen. I have used the egg carton method for almost 20 years. My hatch rate was 99% on average. If the egg was fertile most of the time it would hatch. Yes I have hatched more than just a few dozen eggs. One year I stopped counting at over 400 in three months. We had ten laying hens plus all of our show birds that we where collecting from. I candled eggs at 7 days. If embryo had not started the egg was removed and replaced. After each group of eggs hatched their new owners where called to come and pick them up. It may not be scientifically proven but it something that worked very well for me at home.

 

[Frizzledhen]

Well I am convinced enough that the carton method will do no harm, and maybe even help, that I am going to try it with my very precious RC RIRs this week. I have not had very good luck with shipped eggs, maybe this method will change that luck.