Chook Me!

Are eggs in incubators turned with respect to an axis passing through their pointed end and the larger end?

Public Comments

1. generally not, they are tilted from side to side, this prevents the membrane from sticking to the shell that can cause chicks difficulty during hatching
2. Yes. It's needed to turn eggs inside the incubator on a regular basis, and on a pattern that gives every side of the egg a chance for an equal "heating" arrangement.
3. In commercial incubation, eggs are placed in flats, and the flats are automatically tilted back and forth every hour. The purpose of turning is to prevent the developing embryo from sticking to the shell. For eggs in small incubators that do not have an automatic turner, it is recommended that they be turned at least three times a day. To assist this procedure, place a mark on each egg with a pencil. Alternate the position of the mark when eggs are turned. If eggs are incubated in an upright position, the round end always should be up and the more pointed end down. Beginning at day 18, chicken eggs should no longer be turned.
4. No. Upper side goes down, and lower side goes up.