Transporting incubator full of eggs on hatch day.

[Anna Leigh]

I am incubating/hatching eggs with the children at work (I work in child care). I have started the incubating process at home so I can turn the eggs and keep an eye on the temp and humidity. The eggs will have been in the incubator 12 days tonight. The chicks will be due to hatch around Monday 13th. I would really love the children to see this process but I'm worried that moving them will stress them too much. The car ride from home to work is 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Is there anyway at all that I can transport the incubator full of eggs on the Monday morning? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[lazy gardener]

What's the capacity of the incubator, and does it have a turner in it? How many eggs? This is what I'd do: When you settle the eggs for lock down, I'd nestle them into a very clean dish towel, being sure to have a bit of padding between each egg. Be super sure that the towel does not have any soap residue in it. Then, you can transport them with minimal risk. Of course, moving them at this stage, or for that matter, at any stage is risky business, but this is the best way to decrease your risk. I wish you the best with your hatch. And kudos to taking the time to show your kiddos the miracle of life.

 

[sdm111]

Id just stick the whole thing in the car and go. If I may ask what facts not opinion have it that your best way is correct?

 

[Anna Leigh]

Thank you both for your fast response.
I have a 60 egg incubator but only have 13 eggs in it. I started with 15 but two died at day 7. The eggs are sitting in egg cartons at the moment but I did plan on taking them out and laying them horizontal for lock down. Maybe I should keep them in the cartons so I they don't roll around while in the car?

 

[lazy gardener]

SDM, I certainly didn't mean or intend to come across as a know it all. As you well know, there are many ways to accomplish any task. I was merely responding to the question. It is my opinion that the eggs would travel better if not bumped around. Egg cartons would also be a good solution and certainly easier. Have a nice evening, Anna.

 

[enola]

Id just stick the whole thing in the car and go. If I may ask what facts not opinion have it that your best way is correct?

You wouldn't try to keep the eggs from rolling around and coming in contact with each other?

 

[WalnutHill]

I'd put the eggs in a carton, put the carton back in the incubator, and unpack when you get there. Keep a spray bottle of water handy and mist before setting, and warm water to fill the channels before you set the eggs back.

 

[Anna Leigh]

I'd put the eggs in a carton, put the carton back in the incubator, and unpack when you get there.  Keep a spray bottle of water handy and mist before setting, and warm water to fill the channels before you set the eggs back.

I've already got the eggs sitting in cartons. I've cut the cartons a bit to improve air flow around the eggs too.
During lock down can I spray the eggs with water through the little vent hole so I don't have to open the lid?

 

[WalnutHill]

I have personally found in foam incubators that misting chicken and turkey eggs decreases the hatch rate. I've not tried an incubator like yours, but since you have so much room I'd suggest using warm moist sponges or rags instead.

 

[enola]

I have never misted eggs either.