I find the upright placement of eggs with a tilt for "turning"gives by far the best hatch rates.We have about 500 eggs in the bator so hand turning is out.
We tilt shelves 45 degrees each direction for a total of 90
All eggs are upright in trays.
At 17-18 days they go to the hatcher and are placed in baskets. They hatch on their sides
This is the system that my Rcom Suro 20 uses and I consistently get the best results from this machine.
Not much happening here on the second day of winter - laying is way down (6-8 eggs a day)
and fertility tests give poor results.
My new "Show Quality" Light Sussex have just started laying and hopefully the new Indian Game will lay soon.
xxxxx M