can I use an egg carton inside incubator to keep eggs large end up?

[howlingwoodsfarm]

I purchased some fertile eggs through the mail and when they arrived the lady I got them from said to first let them rest at room temp for atleast 8 hrs. then put them in an egg carton inside the incubator, large end up and to just twist them slowly 3 times a day...Is this common practice? I am new to incubating and just wanted to know if this is anything you have heard of. I thought you just laid them in the incubator, making sure the large end was slightly up and turned them 3x a day. Any input into this carton method would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[tiffanyh]

Funny you ask...I was just wondering that myself about an hour ago----- Id like to see what everyone says. I couldnt find any info about this exact thing on the internet.....

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Hi,
I would be most concerned if it is a cardboard carton. Cardboard would absorb humidity. Styrofoam would work best I imagine. I never wanted to test is out myself because I didn't want to lose my chicks if it didn't work.

 

[silkiechicken]

Well, cardboard takes up moisture, and styrofoam can't breathe. I have used cardboard though with no problem.

Edit: As for incubation though... I prefer just to lay the eggs on their sides in the incubator. works just fine and is more natural.

 

[chickenwhisperer]

I use an 18 pack for my 13 eggs, in my incubator. 3 eggs are not good, and are at one end and the other 10 are together at the other. The empty spaces hold a thermometer, and I also pour water in them which acts like a slow-release humidifier as the carton dries. To turn just use a 2x4 and let the incubator lean differnt ends on it so the only need to open is to add water or candle.

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

hmm, I assumed that styrofoam did breathe because the incubators were made of them

. Has anyone used the egg cartons with success? I too, lay mine on their sides-like a momma hen does hers.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, I have accidently hatched out chicks in a cardboard cartons sitting right side up. Styrofoam incubators have air holes so that it can breathe, the styrofoam it's self is not breathable and even with styrofoam incubators, they grow bacteria and are hard to clean.

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

I'll have to try the cardboard then. I am tired of the eggs rolling all over on the wire. Someone else here mentioned using hair scrunchies and putting an egg in the middle of them to prevent rolling. Maybe its time for me to invest in a turner instead of hair scrunchies lol!

 

[Picco]

I was thinking of taking hardware cloth and bending it like a paper fan and then stretching it out and placing the eggs between the ridges. This would prevent rolling and would let the eggs breath.

 

[verthandi]

I take the top off cardboard egg boxes and just use the bottoms in my incubator. A piece of pine straping under the last carton gives enough angle to tip the cartons 3 times a day for successful hatching. I put the first carton on the board and lean the other cartons against each other. The next time I turn, I move the board to the front of the incubator and lean the cartons the opposite direction.