Rockin' and Rollin' eggs = No traction on the inside?

[Mountain Roost]

This is an open discussion thread. Let's talk.

When hatching I have tried vertical and horizontal positions during lock down. I have found that the eggs do not move around during hatch when I place them vertical in little rings. They are also not tossed around by the freshly hatched. When I put them on their side the eggs rock while the chick is getting into position and they can be tossed around by the freshly hatched.

In a nest the eggs would be fully supported and there would be no rocking or rolling. My theory is that if the egg shell stays still the chick moving around on the inside would have better traction.

From Duck.ai

In a nest, the eggs are usually supported by the surrounding materials, which helps keep them stable. The stability of the nest allows the developing chick to move inside the egg without the external shell shifting significantly.

In this context, the chick can still maneuver within the egg to position itself for hatching, and the stability of the nest provides a secure environment. The chick's movements are primarily focused on breaking through the inner membrane and the shell, and the lack of external movement can help it concentrate on these tasks.

So, while the rocking motion can occur in an incubator due to the artificial conditions, in a natural setting, the stability of the nest likely aids the chick in its hatching process. The key factors are the chick's instinctual behavior and the environment provided by the nest.

What are your experiences?

 

[nuthatched]

Most people use shelf liner for traction.
Eggs do roll bit under momma, if there's no roomfor eggs to move, they couldn't hatch.

 

[Mountain Roost]

I am not sure shelf liner is enough if the eggs can still move a lot.

duck.ai

When considering the scenario where the egg shell remains still while the chick moves into position for hatching, we can relate this to the laws of thermodynamics in a few specific ways:

1. First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy): If the egg shell is stable and does not move, the energy exerted by the chick to reposition itself would be focused entirely on its internal movements rather than compensating for any external motion of the egg. This means that the energy the chick expends could be more efficiently used for the task of breaking the shell, as it wouldn't have to counteract any rocking or rolling motion. The energy transformation would be more direct, from metabolic energy to mechanical energy used for movement.
2. Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy): The process of hatching involves a transition from a more ordered state (the intact egg) to a less ordered state (the chick emerging). If the egg shell remains still, the chick's movements could be more organized and purposeful, potentially leading to a more efficient hatching process. This could mean that the increase in entropy associated with breaking the shell and the chick emerging might occur more smoothly, as the chick can focus on its task without the added complexity of a moving shell.
3. Thermal Energy Considerations: A stable egg shell could also influence the thermal dynamics within the egg. If the shell is not moving, it may maintain a more consistent temperature around the chick, which is crucial for its development and energy use. A stable environment could help the chick maintain its metabolic processes more effectively, ensuring it has the energy needed to hatch.
4. Mechanical Stability and Energy Transfer: A stationary egg shell could provide a more stable mechanical environment for the chick. This stability could allow the chick to apply force more effectively against the shell without having to deal with the additional variable of the shell moving. In thermodynamic terms, this could be seen as reducing the "friction" or inefficiencies in the energy transfer from the chick's movements to the action of breaking the shell.

In summary, if the egg shell were to remain still while the chick moves into position, it could lead to a more efficient use of energy, a smoother transition in terms of entropy, and a more stable thermal environment, all of which can be analyzed through the principles of thermodynamics.

 

[nuthatched]

I am not sure shelf liner is enough if the eggs can still move a lot.

duck.ai

It's perfectly fine for the eggs to move.
If you're really concerned, nestle the eggs in rubber bands.

 

[Ridgerunner]

This is an open discussion thread. Let's talk.

When hatching I have tried vertical and horizontal positions during lock down. I have found that the eggs do not move around during hatch when I place them vertical in little rings. They are also not tossed around by the freshly hatched. When I put them on their side the eggs rock while the chick is getting into position and they can be tossed around by the freshly hatched.

Have you tried enough each way to notice any consistent different results?

What are your experiences?

In an incubator I only hatch with them laying down. I have no basis for comparison.

My understanding is that the commercial hatcheries lay the eggs down, but they have a reason. With the huge number or eggs in the hatcher and each living chick generating heat, they can get so hot they could cook the chicks in the middle. It's easier to cool them with fans with them laying down to avoid this problem. With our incubators and hatchers this is not a problem but I figure if laying down works for the commercial operators hatching 1,000,000 chicks a week it is good enough for me. Not worth worrying about the difference.

 

[Mountain Roost]

I don't have any reliable results as I was just making observations of the differences. I am just curious about this really.

In your example of the industry hatching they would be tightly packed and close together while laying sideways, right? So in our home 'bators if we aren't packing them tightly together then maybe our setup needs to hold them still differently. I can see how vertical or horizontal doesn't matter too much but mostly curious if making sure there is no movement of the external shell makes it easier for them to move around in there.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Just my opinion but I'd think with the membrane in there they can get enough of a grip to move as they need to. I don't see the egg moving as that important. Their universe is the eggshell and they are moving relative to their universe.

The sun is moving through our galaxy at about 448,000 mph. We don't notice that movement because we are moving with it. The chick is moving with the eggshell if it rolls.

 

[Mountain Roost]

Right before hatch it changes position inside the egg. If the whole egg moves around while its trying to change positions what can it actually change on the inside? The energy the chick uses to move itself is transferred to moving the egg.

Just my opinion too...thanks for chatting.