first timer

[ga1girl]

first timer just getting started so need help should i take the eggs straght from the hen ?

 

[abritton77]

I have learned that it is not nearly as hard to hatch an egg as you may think after doing a little research. I think the most important thing is to keep a good steady temp. I run 30-45% for the first 18 days and 55-65% for the last 3. Ive helped some hatch and have them be fine and had them die after helping. Seems like if they hatch on their own they are almost bullet proof. The only time I have had problems was with shipped eggs and when my turner stopped working and I didn't realize it for I dont know how long.

As far as gathering the eggs, I only get them 1 time a day. I do keep my nest clean so they dont get too dirty.

 

[Tiramisu]

Just collect the eggs like normal. Put the eggs in a carton and slightly tilt one end up. Keep them in a cool area, best temps to keep them around are 50-60 degrees. And tilt the carton everyday, this helps so that the yolk doesn't go onto one side more than the other. If you haven't tested your incubator, you should and run it for a day or two so you can get the temps right and make sure they stay steady, and that it hold humidty well too. Also, turn the eggs several times a day, but stop the last 3 days when they go into lockdown (you kick the humidity up then too).