Switching egg postition

[TabbyLynn23]

I have eggs on day 7 in their incubation cycle. I unexpectedly am getting more eggs that need to be incubated but they will not fit in the other incubator I have. Would it be okay to move eggs on day 7 from laying on their side, to an upright incubator? Or should I figure something else out? Thank you for any advice!

 

[SueT]

Well I think so, tho I haven’t done it. But mama hen’s eggs end up every which way, so I assume it won’t matter. They are being turned, right?

 

[TabbyLynn23]

Well I think so, tho I haven’t done it. But mama hen’s eggs end up every which way, so I assume it won’t matter. They are being turned, right?

Yes! It's just an incubator that turns them while on their side. That is a good perspective, I didn't even think about it that way! That makes me feel better.

 

[nuthatched]

I think a staggered hatch will be problematic, you lose more chicks trying two different incubate two different aged eggs.

 

[TabbyLynn23]

I think a staggered hatch will be problematic, you lose more chicks trying two different incubate two different aged eggs.

Would it make a difference that they would be in separate incubators?

 

[Patiocoturnix]

Would it make a difference that they would be in separate incubators?

Yes you should definitely do it in two different incubators not in a single one because some you would have to continue to turn while others need to not be turned so if possible do it in two different incubators.

 

[nuthatched]

Would it make a difference that they would be in separate incubators?

That would be fine. Sorry, I misread and thought you were using just one incubator.

 

[TabbyLynn23]

Yes you should definitely do it in two different incubators not in a single one because some you would have to continue to turn while others need to not be turned so if possible do it in two different incubators.

They will be! Perfect, thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

An option is to put them upright in a carton and tilt the carton a few times a day to simulate turning. I don't know if that will save enough space for the other eggs.
This is really only appropriate if it is a forced air incubator. Otherwise, thermal stratification in a still air will cause about a 1F difference between the high side and the low side.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I wanted to add that the first 2 weeks are most critical for egg turning. After that it isn't as critical because the extraembryonic membranes are already formed by then.