Egg turning

[captainfowlplay]

Is it completely necessary to stop turning the eggs just prior to hatching? I have one incubator with several different aged eggs and it would be difficult to stop only some from turning (as it is automatic).

 

[Blackberry18]

Is it completely necessary to stop turning the eggs just prior to hatching? I have one incubator with several different aged eggs and it would be difficult to stop only some from turning (as it is automatic).

YES. Formation in the embryo will go terribly wrong if you do continue to turn the eggs during the last three days of incubation, or vice versa. To make it easier, you can label eggs to remember.

 

[captainfowlplay]

YES. Formation in the embryo will go terribly wrong if you do continue to turn the eggs during the last three days of incubation, or vice versa. To make it easier, you can label eggs to remember. 

So presumably that would apply to all poultry?

 

[Blackberry18]

So presumably that would apply to all poultry?

Yes. If you do turn the eggs , the embryo will not be able to develop certain feature, or even breathe through the air cell. If you don't turn the eggs when you're supposed to, the embryo will stick to the shell.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! Yes turning is important for the younger eggs so that they develop correctly. Lockdown eggs need to get into position for hatch. Also another concern I would have is the fact you have an auto turner this would need to be removed for the eggs in lockdown as newly hatched chicks could so easily become trapped and seriously injured in the turner. This would apply to all poultry. Here is a super article with great info on turning and the reasons for it
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

Also if you type staggered hatching in the search box many threads will come up on it for possible ways on getting round your problem. Also humidity can be a factor in staggered hatching due to it needing to be high for lockdown eggs but lower for younger eggs. For me personally staggered hatching is a no no due to these issues.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your eggs

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Excellent information given by Yorkshire Coop. You need to stop the turning of the eggs a few days before hatch so the chick can get into position for hatching. And when they do hatch, you do not want chicks getting stuck in the turners as they can which can kill them. It is best to lay down some sort of non skid material over your turners if you can't turn them off, and place the eggs on top at lock down. This not only keeps the chicks out of harms way, but also the delicate chicks won't get spraddle leg on the slippery plastic surface. They are very weak at hatch and NEED to have a grippy surface or they can tear tendons.

Good luck with your hatch! Keep us posted!!

 

[rainbowhatchery]

It would do more harm to have them still turning when hatching than to stop turning those still incubating if that makes sense. If your eggs that are not ready yet dont turn for a couple days for the others to hatch its no big deal at all where as to hatch while turning they cant position themselves as well. I say turn of your turner on day 19

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good advice above, good luck with your hatch!

 

[captainfowlplay]

Thank you all for all the advice.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to BYC, sending good hatching vibes your way.