What is meant by "turning" your eggs?

[mmaddie's mom]

I have only used broodies but am thinking about getting an incubator. Does "turning" actually mean turning over each individual egg or just shifting the whole lot?

Sorry so stupid.

 

[silkiechicken]

You can either turn the egg all the way over, or just tilt them 45 deg side to side. You don't want the embryo to stick to the top of the shell.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

I thought it was bad to open the incubator very much. Can I just tip the whole incubator (ie. prop on a book) or do I need to actually open it up and tip each egg?

 

[jbowyer01]

I turn each egg individually but thats my choice. I have tilted the incubator (used a piece of 2x4), just make sure that what ever holds your water for humidity doesnt spill out.

 

[jen5680]

It won't matter if you open it and turn them a few times a day.
I put mine in egg cartons and then just tip the whole carton
once in the morning and again in the evening.
I have great hatches this way.
I would think if you tilt the whole bator your water won't stay in the wells.

 

[gryeyes]

Plus, you stop turning them for lockdown, on day 18. That is the critical time during which you do not open the incubator.

 

[DFCottage]

Newbie question: so the incubator is up and running for a few days to make sure everything is running normal, eggs go in once temp and humidity are where they should be. I read to leave the bator alone for 24 hours once the eggs first go in and not mess with temp etc, but at what point do you start the turning/tilting process? Right away, or after the 24 hour period?

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Good info. I understand now.

Thanks!
dmb/mm