I can't believe lockdown is almost here, in fact counting the days today made me start to panic just a bit. I was really excited to set the eggs on my birthday but didn't really take into account that then I would be working during the start of lockdown and hatch day. SO. Here is my question. I set the eggs at 5pm, how close to 5pm do they need to go into lockdown? I go to work that day at 3pm and get off at 3am. I could have my hubby help out but I am sure he would prefer I do it myself. Any advice?
They will be fine if you lock down a day early or a day late. The important part is the humidity is up when they pip & hatch. If not they will get shrink wrapped by the egg membrane. But the start of lock down is not that critical.
I like setting the eggs on eggcartons the same way as you put then in the turner with the small side down this way you have more chances of a better hatch rate It had happen to me that when some chicks hatched they start rolling the other eggs around and some of them drown or suffoctae because they get turn over on the pecking side ask in this site if it works for others it worked for me
I have started using styrofoam egg carton bottoms, cut down and with the bottoms of the cups cut out. Sort of like the thing is a collection of holes held together. It keeps the eggs upright and they don't get knocked around by the hatching chicks.
I just take the racks off the turner and use them. I have 60 quail hatching, and I just take the other racks and set them in. Or if it is full you could unscrew them. The best part is I can set a piece of cloth under them and just stick it in the dish washer.
Quote:How much do you cut down & how much of the bottom of the cup do you cut off? (any chance of a pic perhaps?) I may need to trim mine since all I did was remove the lid & punch out the bottom. I also have 3/4" pvc glued to the bottom--no auto turner. Should I plan to switch to new cartons for Lockdown? (First Hatch. Eggs went in the 'bater today. Just trying to plan ahead. LOL!) '' Appreciate any info. Yvonne
