I am approaching the final days. I am hoping to use the egg carton. Is styrofoam acceptable? Could someone post a brief protocol for the egg carton? Pointed end up or down? Put in 3 days before? I am very nervous. How long does it take for the chicks to dry out? I hatched them several years ago when I taught a class. This time we are keeping the little guys!!! I cannot wait!
I use paper cartons because they 'breathe' better, and cut out the bottoms of the cups where the egg sits to make sure there is adequate air flow for the eggs. Also, set them large end up in the carton, on day 19. Get your humiidty up to around 70-75% and then DON"T OPEN that Bator until the hatch is complete! Good luck with your hatch!!
Either type is fine.. I prefer the paper-pulp ones because I feel they will breathe better... but, there's just as many people that use the foam ones Pointy end down so the aircell is on top... this is where they hatch from. I put mine in cartons on day 18. Dry time just depends... your humidity can effect this. I can't answer for sure because I had to remove some of mine early... but they say it is best to leave them all until the hatch is complete. This time I have fixed the problems and plan to leave them until it's all done
Quote:Use a paper carton, and cut a hole in the bottom for air circulation. Then you put the pointed end down, large end up. Put it in the egg carton on day 18. The chicks will have an easier time getting out of the shell. I hatched 7 out of 8 call ducklings in an egg carton, and 13 out of 13 in an egg carton. It makes clean up alot easier too.
If you put them in the bator in the morning, then that is day 1. If you put them in after noontime or so, then that is day 0 and the next day is day 1. That's what I learned from the experts on this forum!!
Hoover, I'll be hatching this weekend, too. 3 bators running - 2 with chickens 1 with turkeys. We can sweat it out together. Kimberly