new to incubating...need some hints/tips

[Shaf9]

Just started incubating and had some questions. I'm using the incubator with a built in fan and its a little giant branded incubator. The eggs are pretty much close to each other touching one another. I have marked them with x's and o's and turning them manually. Hatching some peacock and chicken eggs. I was wondering how to turn them. Right now im using my fingers and palms to turn them but not one at a time. I'm not sure how careful i need to be turning them. The eggs make contact when i turn them with one another. I'm scared i'm not being delicate enough. How often do i need to turn them too? does it have to be a set interval?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Just started incubating and had some questions. I'm using the incubator with a built in fan and its a little giant branded incubator. The eggs are pretty much close to each other touching one another. I have marked them with x's and o's and turning them manually. Hatching some peacock and chicken eggs. I was wondering how to turn them. Right now im using my fingers and palms to turn them but not one at a time. I'm not sure how careful i need to be turning them. The eggs make contact when i turn them with one another. I'm scared i'm not being delicate enough. How often do i need to turn them too? does it have to be a set interval?

When I turn manually I (wash my hands before touching the eggs and) gently turn them singularly using the ends of the eggs. One way then back the next time. The recommended amount is at least 3xs a day with the more the better. It's also recommended that you turn an odd number a day to prevent them from laying on the same side at night. I turn mine 3 or 5 times a day, depending on how early I get the first turn in. No set intervals.

 

[kuchchicks]

You obviously do not want to be rough when turning the eggs but remember that mom is getting on and off and turning her eggs she is using her body and beak. There are a couple of videos on Youtube that show a hen turning her eggs.

 

[WaterFowl209]

This might be a repeat but what I've learned is eggs should be turned in odd numbers of times like 3,5,7 times a day I've had good hates with 5 times per day, also keep incubators in the dark or cover view screen with a towel be gentle with eggs and it's ok if they touch also make sure not to contaminate eggs by dirty hands also try to keep temp and humidity at a steady level some people turn eggs by placing small 2x4 wood on one side under incubater and changing the sides it's on to turn.