Hatch eggs in an egg carton??????

[lakeshorenc]

I hatched mine in the paper cartons cut down so there were be a lot ventilation. I didn't have any problem with them getting damp or wet. One thing I noticed that I liked was that after they zipped they would rest a little bit and do their first poop in the bottom of the shell. Keeping the bottom of the bator cleaner.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

have thought about using styro cartons, but read to use cardboard only

I use the styrofoam cartons with good results. I figured that since the incubator itself is styrofoam, why shouldn't the cartons be styrofoam too? I do put a hole in the bottom. I use them from day one right through the hatch.

I am wondering ... if I set the eggs in the cut down cartons starting on day 1, if I wedge something that's about 1" tall under one side of the carton, and shift the wedge to the other side 3x daily, will that be enough turning from day 1-18?

I just put a small block under the incubator itself and move the block clockwise around the sides, changing the position about every 4 hours--about 5 times a day--instead of messing around inside the 'bator. It has worked quite well for me.


HTH


Rusty​

 

[momma-hen]

I just put a small block under the incubator itself and move the block clockwise around the sides, changing the position about every 4 hours--about 5 times a day--instead of messing around inside the 'bator. It has worked quite well for me.

That's genius! Bow why didn't I think of that? Less opening up of the bator.....​

 

[SweetMissDaisy]

Quote:
Hmm... I'm going to go put water in my reservoirs now and see if it gets too close to the wire using this trick before I actually have the eggs to set. Good idea.....

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
Hmm... I'm going to go put water in my reservoirs now and see if it gets too close to the wire using this trick before I actually have the eggs to set. Good idea.....

Your excess water will probably leak out of the holes in the bottom of your bator.. so put a towel under them to catch the water..

your reservoirs do not have to be completely full, when you rotate the bator every couple of hours you will be spreading water over the bottom, thus giving you a lot of surface to evaporate from..

 

[Faverolle]

I tried using the cartons with my last hatch. I had 22/24 hatch in the cartons and 10/14 not in the carton. I really don't think it affects the eggs the last few days it's used but it does make clean up a little easier.

 

[BamaChicken]

I hatch in cartons. I cut a hole in the bottom of each individual egg cup so they can breath. I have used stryofoam and paper. Both work the same.

 

[tn chick]

Quote:
i have heard if you use styrofoam to cut the cups down also,what would you suggest?

 

[emvickrey]

Quote:
Yup had wire screen in and it sank!

I have thought about using styro cartons, but read to use cardboard only.

Will keep reading up as wont set next batch till later this week. Hope it goes better this time!

What is the difference in cardboard and styforoam cartons for hatching? I used styro last time and had 1 egg hatch. I take them out on day 18 and lay them with the big end up slightly.

I think what I did wrong with the last batch is I closed the vent holes. This itme I have them open again and a fan near the bator to help with circulation. I have no fan in the bator. i was hoping to get a new one before any new eggs got put in but I won some so I have to do something for when they arrive. I want them to make it. I'm also getting turkey eggs. I will ned help with that.

 

[emvickrey]

I used the top also last 2 times but in diffent ways. Last time instead of hand turning I tilted the bottom on the top of the carton. I used the little part taht sticks up in the middle of the lid to keep it leaned in one direction. Then I would use my hands to make srue they where all leaning.

This itme I plan to use something to prop up the bator and rotate it like I read in this thread. That way there will be no opening the bator. I can add water through a vent hole with a straw. I keep the bator in the hallway where it gets checked everytime I go by it. I keep a flashlight and the chart on the table by it so I can read the thermometer/hydrometer by shining thr flashlight in through the window.

I think I opened the bator way too much. I will have to really practice restraint but I want these eggs to hatch. Especially the turkey eggs.