Hatching on floor of 1588??

[maureen9962]

I am getting nervous about hatching right on the mesh of my Hovabator. It is my first hatch and I have read of toes getting stuck and a big mess to clean up. Do most of you experienced hatchers put cartons or something else in at lockdown?

 

[bigstack]

The LG I started with had a wire mesh floor in it. I just placed the eggs on the wire laying on their side. I had no problems with the hatch or the chicks. At first it was a lil hard for them to balance walking on it. It would move under their feet. It had a ripple in the mesh. When they would walk it would bounce and they would fall down. They managed fine after a couple hours. They have to learn to balance and walk any way. LOL I stopped using the LG for a Bator and now it is all I use for a hatcher. I have hatched 57 of 67. Only lost 2! They had alot of trouble hatching and just never improved. I was forced to cull on day 5. It was VERY hard for me to do. I am a tough guy, but baby animals are a different story. There are alot of people who use cartons for hatching. I personally preffer to do it as close to natural as possible. The mama doesn't keep the eggs standing up in the nest, so im not either. Just my personal opinion.

Good Luck and God Bless!

 

[Mahonri]

I buy the shelf liner with holes and I put cartons on top of that.

I think it's easier for them to hatch when other chicks aren't playing soccer with their egg.

 

[Katy]

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That's how I do it too.

 

[GlitterBug]

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That is what I did with my last hatch, too. It worked well for the chicks...and me! (with cleaning up especially) I love the egg carton method now.

Best wishes on a great hatch!

 

[hinkjc]

I have always hatched on the floor of my 1588s and never had toes get stuck or any problems. I hatched 1900+ chicks last year without incident. You'll be fine.

 

[stormylady]

Works fine for me too. Never had a problem.

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

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That's how I do it too.

That's how I do it three.