How to Turn Eggs When Hatching

In the wild, a hen turns her eggs regularly throughout the incubation period. Turning eggs during home incubation simulates this natural process. It also keeps the developing embryo from sticking to the shell, which will result in a poor hatching, helps stimulate membrane growth and increases the embryo's heart rate. Increased heart rates allow more absorption of the nutrients in the yoke producing healthier chicks. Turn eggs regularly until the last three days prior to hatching. Different eggs have different incubation times. Incubation periods for different types of eggs are included in the incubator instruction manual.

Things You'll Need

  • Incubator
  • Eggs
  • Pencil
  • Egg Carton or Pan
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Mark an X on one side of the eggs with a pencil, and mark an O on the other side. These are the indicators used during turning.

    • 2
      Place the eggs in a carton to warm up.

      Place the eggs in a pan or egg carton to warm up to room temperature.

    • 3

      Place the eggs in the incubator on the wire floor, X side up, when they are at room temperature.

    Daily Turning

    • 4

      After two to three hours, turn all of the eggs to place the X side down. Gradually move the eggs around the wire floor to minimize temperature variations. Some areas of the incubator may be warmer than other places, and rotating the eggs allows a more even distribution of heat for each egg.

    • 5

      After two to three additional hours, turn all of the eggs placing the X side up. Move them to another spot on the wire floor.

    • 6

      Continue this process throughout the day. Turn the eggs one more time prior to bedtime.

    • 7

      Turn and move the eggs immediately in the morning and continue turning and rotating throughout each day until three days prior to the scheduled hatching.