Egg turning while incubating.

[jwcarlson]

I've always turned them twice per day and unless 90%+ hatch rate isn't very good (admittedly smallish sample sizes... but probably close to 100 or more chicks over the years). This year, for example, set 18 eggs, 17 chicks just hatched the last couple of days, one quit after a couple of days. But the eggs were collected over 4-5 days when the daytime highs were barely above 0 and I never turned them when they sat in the carton on the counter top.
I turn them about 6 AM and then sometime between 4 and 8 PM depending on what's going on in life. Also rotate their locations within the incubator to help account for any hot/cool spots. This is in a $50 still air incubator with a couple of USB powered fans and a little InkBird heat controller to regulate the temperature.

I think this chick is fine even though it was only turned a couple of times per day. I'm sure more often is probably better... but what percentage better is it?

 

[Dan2005]

I had a bad hatch also when I figured out the turner wasn’t working, the plastic was cracked where it slipped over the medal shaft

It is so annoying!

My last hatch was 2/15 eggs..I still have the little hen though.

She's very cute and loves to get some pets and snuggles

 

[Dan2005]

I've always turned them twice per day and unless 90%+ hatch rate isn't very good (admittedly smallish sample sizes... but probably close to 100 or more chicks over the years). This year, for example, set 18 eggs, 17 chicks just hatched the last couple of days, one quit after a couple of days. But the eggs were collected over 4-5 days when the daytime highs were barely above 0 and I never turned them when they sat in the carton on the counter top.
I turn them about 6 AM and then sometime between 4 and 8 PM depending on what's going on in life. Also rotate their locations within the incubator to help account for any hot/cool spots. This is in a $50 still air incubator with a couple of USB powered fans and a little InkBird heat controller to regulate the temperature.

I think this chick is fine even though it was only turned a couple of times per day. I'm sure more often is probably better... but what percentage better is it?
View attachment 4301003

It's always interesting to hear different views/experiences.

Some swear on turning many times etc.

And that chick is so ADORABLE @jwcarlson
What breed is it?