Trays or lay flat for lockdown???

[TarHeelBlue]

I have seen a lot of people saying they put their eggs in trays (egg cartons) - do you do this during lockdown? Does it work better than just laying them in there and leaving them?? I have 8 silkie eggs to go on lockdown on Thursday and now am not sure which way to go??

 

[Silkie Sue]

yeahhh!!
i have 20 Silkies goin into lockdown on Thursday

i think i mite just go natural unless i encounter problems
GOOD LUCK.... i'm with ya

 

[sonjab314]

I just hatched out 8 showgirl/silkies and I used the egg carton method. I like it because it keeps the ones that have hatched from playing soccer with the ones that have not hatched and it keeps all the hatching "gunk" from getting all inside your bator.

 

[Silkie Sue]

the "no gunk" is a good idea
would the egg carton not hinder the hatchlings at all???
do you cut them individually??

 

[Coopa Cabana]

I used egg cartons for all my lockdowns last year - really liked the results. In addition to what everyone above has said, I also like the fact that it keeps the egg in the same upright position during lockdown that it was in during incubation.

Be sure and cut the cartons down a bit (especially if your eggs are Bantams) - you only want to support the egg - they need to be able to pip above the carton. This little guy crawled back into the carton to get a better look around! (You can see the yolk sac on his belly.)

 

[aubreynoramarie]

But do the paper cartons hinder the humidity during hatch?

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Quote:
I really didn't notice any difference - I'm sure they absorb a little - but certainly not enough to make them flimsy or soggy. You have to raise the humidity at lockdown, anyway.

 

[sonjab314]

I use the styrofoam cartons. I cut them down on the sides and in the middle to improve air circulation.

 

[Silkie Sue]

ohhh... he is so cute

i thought they had to be on their side to hatch?

 

[TarHeelBlue]

OK, I'm gonna try it. Will keep you guys posted - put pics up later!! Should have A Sunday hatch.