How often do I turn the eggs?

[australorp_breeder]

This is going to be my first time using an incubator. I don't have an automatic egg turner either.

1) So I was wondering how often I have to turn the eggs? I've heard people tell me twice a day, but I would also like a time...like would 9am and then again at 9pm be okay? Something along those lines.

2) And eggs take around 21 days to hatch, right?

3) Also, do I have to like pre-heat the incubator before adding the eggs?

4) And what temp should the incubator get to for the eggs?

 

[Lotsapaints]

Day 18 is lock down day no more turning that's when we all start losing it

 

[melodylee]

1 - an ODD number usually 3, 5, 0r 7 ( i turn mine 3)
2 - yep
3 - I do... i usually turn mine on a day or two before, so i am sure that i have the temp completely under control.
4 - 99.5 for forced air 100-101 for still air
and as above poster said day 18 is lock down so no more turning

ETA and humidity is 50 - 55% then bump it up to 58 - 70% for the last 3 days
and edit again https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=48726

 

[australorp_breeder]

Would twice a day rotating them be enough? And thank you two for your answers!

 

[bigstack]

You really need to turn them more than twice! They should be turned an odd number of times. That way you don't have them setting on the same side every night. Minimum is 3 times but more is better! if not turned enough the yolk will stick to the side of the shell. resulting in embryo not developing right ( or at all) or the chick could be stuck to the shell aswell. Day 18 is lock down. Which means no more opening the bator. If the chicks hatch they are fine for upto 3 days inside the bator. They have just absorbed the yolk sack and will have all the nutrients and water they need for 3 days. If you Must open the bator You can take it into a HOT steamy bathroom to open. I use a small room heater and the shower on full blast HOT!!! I look like I was in the shower when I come out of the Bathroom. Doing this will prevent the temp and humidity from dropping. The sudden temp change when you open the bator during lockdown will actually cause the membrane inside the shell to shrinkwrap to the chick and kill them! 99.5 is optimum for a forced air bator. and 100-101 is best for a non fan bator. I turned mine on 2 days befor and made sure the temp was steady. Then when you add the room temp eggs, the temp will drop in the bator. DONT adjust the temp on the bator if it has been steady! The bator will recover the temp as soon as it brings the eggs up to temp. I leave the eggs in the same room as the bator atleast over night befor adding to the bator. You donot want to add cold eggs to the bator. The high temp difference can cause the eggs to die. Room temp 70+ is great! Hand turned atleast 3 time a day! Odd number of times! that way the egg doesn't set on the same side every night. or use an egg turner. It turnes repeatedly 24 hrs a day.

God Bless and Good Luck!

 

[bigstack]

sorry about repeating my self. LOL

Good luck and God Bless!

 

[melodylee]

Quote:
I always heard at least 3 because of possible sticking to the shells and being deformed and just 2 times or an even number doesn't correct that problem... I know I'm not explaining the reasoning right... I turn my eggs by hand also.

oops bigstack beat me to it!

 

[redhen]

what do you guys think of the egg carton method?? You put the eggs in a paper egg carton...and you lift the side of the bator for turning... use a book or something...
alternate sides for each 'turn"
that way you dont have to open the bator several times a day...
I'm going to be hatching some duck eggs soon...not sure which way is best to turn them....

 

[melodylee]

Quote:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=301488&p=2
there is a bit of a discussion on this there but I've never done it personally....sounds like it could be a good idea though

 

[bigstack]

My only concern is the water dumping out of the trays/tubs.