Hatching question...

[pattyjean73]

I'm using the styrofoam bators that have the wire bottoms and manually turning. I've been reading and now I'm concerned about eggs rolling during hatching and cracking other eggs. What can I do to prevent this? Can I fold up papertowels and place between the eggs on the 18th day? Any other suggestions?

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi PJ! I'd worry about the paper towels absorbing water and causing problems with the eggs touching them. Maybe something non-absorbent?
There are several other things you can do.
How many eggs do you have in the there? If there is a lot or wide-open-space, I like to fill water bottles with 100 degree water and use them around the edges to keep the eggs from rolling too much (kind of like making a 'corral' with the water bottles).
The water bottles help stabilize the temperature as well if you don't have a full incubator.
You can line the hatcher with that holey shelf-liner stuff. It's softer than the wire (and quieter if you happen to keep your hatcher in the bedroom).

A lot of people have had good results using egg cartons for hatching (you'll have to search that). I tried it once and it didn't work for me.

Good luck!

Lisa

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

whe my new babies are in there playing soccer with their slow to arrive sibs we call it "helping" they seem to pay the most attention to the egg that is going to hatch next

 

[pattyjean73]

Thanks for the suggestions