
The Importance of Turning Eggs During Incubation
Turning eggs during incubation is a critical practice that ensures healthy embryo development and mirrors the natural behavior of a broody hen. Properly turning eggs can significantly improve hatch rates and result in healthier chicks. Learn why egg turning is vital and how to do it effectively for the best incubation results.
Why Turning Eggs During Incubation Is Essential
1. Preventing Embryo Damage
Embryos grow on the yolk, which can float upward inside the egg during development. Without regular turning, the yolk may drift toward the shell, causing the embryo to stick to the inner membrane. This adhesion can lead to developmental issues or even embryo death. Regular turning keeps the yolk centered, reducing these risks.
2. Promoting Nutrient Circulation
Turning eggs ensures the embryo has access to fresh nutrients and oxygen while moving metabolic waste away. This circulation is especially critical during the first week of incubation when the embryo is most sensitive and requires optimal conditions for growth.
How to Turn Eggs Properly
Positioning Matters
Place eggs on their sides within the incubator to mimic the natural positioning under a broody hen. In commercial settings, eggs are often positioned upright with the pointed end down. Both methods are effective as long as turning is consistent.
Turning Technique
Always turn eggs from side to side rather than end over end. For poultry eggs, a turn of approximately 80 degrees every hour is sufficient. For exotic eggs, such as those from parrots, turning 180 degrees multiple times per hour is necessary due to their unique developmental needs.
Manual vs. Automatic Turning
Manual Turning: Manually turn the eggs at least three times daily, ensuring even rotation. Mark the eggs with a sequence or simple symbols (e.g., “X” and “O”) to track their positions and maintain consistency.
Automatic Turning: Incubators equipped with tilting trays, troughs, or rollers simplify the process. These devices ensure consistent turning angles and directions, preventing damage to the chalaza, the structure that anchors the yolk.
Types of Egg-Turning Devices
1. Tilting Trays
Tilting trays are commonly used in commercial incubators, gently moving eggs from side to side throughout the day. These are ideal for poultry eggs and ensure consistent turning angles.
2. Troughs or Channels
Similar to tilting trays, these devices move eggs within semicircular troughs. They are effective for evenly distributing movement and reducing embryo damage.
3. Moving Floors or Rollers
Moving floors and rollers are designed for exotic or irregularly shaped eggs. These devices provide larger turning angles and ensure even rotation, critical for species requiring unique care.
The Key to Higher Hatch Rates
Proper egg turning plays a pivotal role in achieving higher hatch rates and healthier chicks. Whether you’re using manual methods or advanced automatic incubators, consistency is the cornerstone of successful incubation. By ensuring that your eggs are turned regularly and correctly, you can optimize the incubation process and enjoy thriving chicks.
Investing in the right equipment and following proper techniques will enhance your hatching success and set the foundation for healthy flocks.