Newbie needs clarification on egg carton hatch!

[fernandez0067]

If I wanted to try this method for my next batch, do I leave the eggs in the carton through the whole incubation or just on day 18?

 

[Katy]

I have mine in a turner the first 18 days and then move them into the cartons on day 19. If you're not using a turner I know some people keep them in the cartons for the first 18 days too...I've just never done it that way.

 

[fernandez0067]

Do people keep them in there with the pointy end down and then just roll them from one side to another?

 

[Bil]

I don't have a turner in my incubator so I start out with my eggs pointy end down in cartons from day 1. To turn the eggs, I place a wedge under once side of the carton so it is at about a 45º angle and then to turn them I switch the wedge to the other side so they are leaning the other way. Takes about 10 seconds to turn 18 eggs.

Bil

 

[EweSheep]

Good one Bil! I do use a wedge under the incubator so I dont have to open the bator at all except to put in sponges or refill the bowls (you dont want to fill all the way up because it would seep out).

That would work good when one dont have a turner or the turner went out like mine did.

 

[fernandez0067]

Good Ideas, Thanks!

 

[peaceful]

If you use cartons put the eggs with the pointy end down for the first 18 days and then on day 18 adjust the eggs so that they are on their sides and leave them like that until hatch, maybe now resting in carton tops rather than carton bottoms at this point (day 18 on) because they provide a flatter base.

 

[fernandez0067]

I am going to try this whole egg carton - bator wedge turning contraption. I lost all of the chicks in my last batch probably from opening the bator too much, temp, etc. I dont want to spend the money on a turner so I will try this so I have NO excuses on opening it! Except to add water of course.

So basically-- the eggs fit in the carton somewhat snug, and by wedging the bator 45 degrees it lets gravity do the work?

I should be getting my new eggs I bought from the BST tomorrow or Thursday, so they should go in the bator Thursday or Friday.

Ill keep you guys updated on how it turns out!!