using egg cartons ?

[harris farm]

Is it better to hatch eggs on the screen in bators laying on its side or would using a plastic egg carton sitting the eggs with pointed end down be any better? seems like the hatched chicks move the other eggs around. Is this bad for the eggs, its like being in a turner.

 

[Katy]

I hatch in the paper cartons and have for the last 3 or so years.....I'll never go back to hatching with them on their sides.

 

[wowmanacat]

I would like to know more on this since I am going to be building a incubator over the next few days. Right now all I have are the Styrofoam cartons that eggs came in form the store.

 

[harris farm]

my wife gave me this hard plastic carton that I think eggs made of chalk came in. I guess i will try it. it seems like it would be better.

 

[madgabmomma]

I was wondering the same thing! My concern with the egg crates is won't the chicks fall out of the crate once hatced? Can they hurt themselves?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
They fall/crawl out of it once they're hatched.....they don't get hurt tho. Even my little bantams hop right out.

 

[artathart]

So how is this better than layign them on their sides? Is there any benifits to doing it this way? Can you use any paper egg carton? I am thinking about doing this as well.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Some use the egg cartons and shift it side to side like an egg turner would. Then they remove the eggs for hatching. Many folks leave them in the carton but I personally don't because I am afraid they could get hurt. I try to do things as close to what mother nature would do. But, that is my opinion and what works for me. Good luck to you.

 

[madrooster]

i leave mine on their side when hatch time comes, but hets my preference, either way people have success with, its seems like thats how the hen does it so thats i do it on their side.my two cents

 

[clairabean]

I use only paper cartons throughout. I attach a metal tube to the bottom of the carton, so I can just tip the whole carton from side to side. easy peasy. They hatch in the same carton too. Very little mess and no egg soccer. The chicks have no problem whatsoever hopping out, but then they usually hop back in and cuddle down for a post hatch nap.