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?

 

[McChooky]

I'm getting a home made incubator 'ready' to set some eggs this week. Its been thoroughly tested but has only been used once to hatch an egg left in the nest(after a broody hen came off the nest with chicks and abandoned it) It has an egg rolling tray that allows me to move them all at once (manually)

 

[Dan2005]

I'm getting a home made incubator 'ready' to set some eggs this week. Its been thoroughly tested but has only been used once to hatch an egg left in the nest(after a broody hen came off the nest with chicks and abandoned it) It has an egg rolling tray that allows me to move them all at once (manually)

That is so cool! @McChooky

It seems like it's also passed the cat test

 

[McChooky]

That is so cool! @McChooky

It seems like it's also passed the cat test

Now you know why I built such a sturdy one. Today I bought another digital temp and humidity gauge to replace one that went bad

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you @redinator & @Debbie292d !

@Debbie292d I've been reading through your silkie thread and I literally can't wait till mine hatch

I'm receiving 10 green Silkie eggs and 10 pure ayam Serama eggs next week!!!

You're very welcome!

Where on earth did you find green silkie eggs? Those wouldn't be purebred silkies, I'm afraid, as silkies lay cream or tan eggs.

 

[Dan2005]

You're very welcome!

Where on earth did you find green silkie eggs? Those wouldn't be purebred silkies, I'm afraid, as silkies lay cream or tan eggs.

I found them on an eBay site here. There are quite a few breeders around here (Germany) selling either cream/tan eggs and they also have a group with blue-green egg layers.

I guess they wouldn't be pure silkies but the parents sure do look like proper silkies so I'm fine with just the looks

I might be able to find some photos from the posting.

 

[jwcarlson]

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?

If I had to guess. Jubilee Orpington. We have about 15 JO hens, 3 JO roosters. Also an American Bresse roo in the mix. There's also a mix of older hens, but they don't lay many eggs. I am thinking it's a pure JO based on it's appearance now.