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6.Turning the eggs. The turning of the eggs is the next most
critical factor. Turning the eggs is important for allowing the
embryo access to the nutrients in the egg. Turning should be
done at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at
night. It is easier if the eggs are marked on one side with a
cross and on the other with a zero. The eggs should be
carefully turned a full 180 degrees. Avoid jarring and
bumping the eggs as this can damage the embryos.
7. The moisture in the incubator is important as it prevents the
egg from drying out. A dried out egg will not develop
properly and will cause the chick to be stuck in the shell even
if it lives to hatch time. However, too much moisture will
mean that many chicks will actually drown in the egg before
hatch time. Chicks with shells stuck on them, or chipped and
not hatched, are symptoms of marginal high humidity. The
water channels in the base provide correct moisture for most
situations. Select the inner channel for damp climates, the
outer channel for normal climates, and both channels for dry
climates. However, in some rare cases, additional moisture
may be added by sprinkling the eggs. Experience has shown
that over 90% of situations will only require the outer water
channel throughout the incubation process. So try the first
batch with the outer channel and alter this if required. When
using the automatic turner, start by filling only the inside
water channel. Remember, too much water is just as bad as
not enough so don’t use too much.
TIP if the water dries out in less than a week, it is on the dry
side, if the water takes 2 weeks to dry out, then it’s on the wet
side. Depth doesn’t matter, it is surface area that matters.
