turning eggs

[familyguy]

I know that you need to turn the eggs in the incubator ... but can you turn them too often?? Most things I have read say to turn every 3-4 hours ... but if my homemade turner turns them every hour, say, would that harm them someway? Jus wondering. Thanks

 

[annanimal]

I have read that you should turn them three times a day, it has to be an odd number though.

 

[sumi]

Broody hens turn their eggs more than 50 times a day. Not turning them enough can cause problems, but turning them frequently is fine.

 

[annanimal]

Oh, i didnt know that.

 

[loveourbirds]

there are so many myths about turning your eggs in an incubator, ive heard people say they only turn them once and they hatch fine. don't know how accurate this is though.

when I hand turned my eggs I turned them 4 times a day (not an odd number) and my hatch rates were about 80% in Styrofoam incubators.

I use sportsman incubators now, they turn approximately every 2 hours or 12 times a day. I do have better hatch rates out of the sportsman incubators, but I am leaning more towards better humidity control than turning methods.

other myths: (I can tell you for a fact that these aren't true)
pointy eggs are roosters
if you have a storm with thunder it will ruin your hatch

some other tips: (things Ive found that should help you along)
open your incubator 15 minutes a day
if you don't have a hygrometer, fill half the rings or troughs in your incubator until day 18 operate with one plug out. on day 18 fill all troughs and remove a second plug.
with a Styrofoam incubator, you will have to open it and add water during lockdown. open it add water fast, mist eggs very lightly with warm water and close.
if your temp drops 5 or so degrees during the incubation period it wont hurt your eggs, the hen cant keep the temp perfect either. however if it stays low for several hours it might delay your hatch alittle.

best of luck,
brian

 

[Cynthia12]

I turn mine three times a day. Do pretty good when I don't have funky air sacs. Shipped eggs..it's been bad for a lot this year. I have some eggs that a friend gave me, they just made a car ride to my house..air sacs are beautiful, just the way they should be. There were only a couple of clear ones in 12 eggs, I have 10 babies thriving. Lock down next Wed.

 

[tec27]

I dont worry about turning. I turn when i remember to or if i happen to be by the incubator that day. I probably turn once or twice every other day.

 

[Cynthia12]

I dont worry about turning. I turn when i remember to or if i happen to be by the incubator that day. I probably turn once or twice every other day.

Really? You are the first one I've ever actually seen write this down personally. I've only "heard" that it's been done. Interesting. I take it your eggs hatch just fine?

 

[loveourbirds]

I dont worry about turning. I turn when i remember to or if i happen to be by the incubator that day. I probably turn once or twice every other day.

another person told me he just turns them when he thinks about it, maybe once a day. he claimed to get 80% and greater hatches on bantam eggs.

as for me, when i did turn by hand, i never had as good of hatch rate. i would forget at times, or just not be home. turning is supposed to exercise the embryo so im guessing the more you turn them the better (within reason of course).

from the different experiences, i can tell you that my best hatches comes from turners that turn the eggs all at once, instead of over a 2 hour period. as long as you practice good husbandry, and good turning practices; turning by hand should truly be the best way.

 

[annanimal]

I have ordered an incubator that auto turns the eggs so i dont have to worry about turning them.