The Importance of Turning Eggs During Incubation

Turning eggs during incubation is a crucial practice that mimics the natural behavior of a broody hen. Hens regularly turn their eggs, and it's vital to replicate this in an electric incubator to ensure the healthy development of embryos. Here's why turning is important and what can happen if it's neglected.

Why is Turning Important?

As the embryo develops, it grows on the surface of the yolk, which becomes lighter and tends to float upward in the egg. The yolk is somewhat held in place by the chalaza, a twisted membrane that connects the yolk to the ends of the egg. However, without regular turning, the yolk can drift upward toward the shell, causing the embryo to stick to the inner shell membranes. If this happens, the embryo is likely to die.

Additionally, turning the eggs allows the embryo to access fresh nutrients and oxygen while moving metabolic wastes away. This process is especially crucial during the first week of incubation, where the embryo's development is most sensitive.

How to Turn Eggs Properly
- Positioning: Place eggs on their sides in the incubator, which mimics the natural way hens position them. For commercial purposes, eggs may be placed upright with the pointed end down.
- Turning Method: Eggs should be turned from side to side, not end over end. For most poultry, turning the eggs 80 degrees every hour is recommended. Parrot eggs, on the other hand, require more frequent turning—180 degrees several times an hour.
- Manual vs. Automatic Turning: If you're manually turning eggs, marking them with a sequence can help track their position. Automatic incubators with tilting trays, troughs, or moving floors can simplify the process. However, ensure that the incubator turns the eggs in alternating directions to prevent the chalaza from winding up and breaking.

Types of Turning Devices
- Tilting Trays:These are common in commercial incubators, tilting the eggs side to side throughout the day. They work well for poultry but may not be ideal for non-domesticated birds.
- Troughs or Channels: Similar to tilting trays, these devices tilt eggs in semicircular troughs, moving them back and forth.
- Moving Floors or Rollers: Some incubators have a rotating base or rollers that turn the eggs. This method allows for larger angles of turn and is beneficial for exotic species with irregularly shaped eggs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues
Improper or insufficient turning can lead to various problems during incubation, such as:
- Early Death (Days 3-6): Lack of turning can cause embryos to die early in the incubation period.
- Mid-term Death (Days 7-17): Although less common, improper turning can lead to embryo death during this stage.
- Failure to Pip: If the embryo doesn’t develop properly due to inadequate turning, it may fail to break through the shell (pip).
- Dead in Shell: This occurs when an embryo pips but fails to hatch, often due to insufficient turning in the first 12 days of incubation.

- Check the Turning Device: Regularly inspect and maintain your incubator's turning device to prevent failures during incubation. A malfunction at any stage can significantly impact hatch rates.
- Avoid Shocks and Jolts: Ensure the turning process is smooth, as sudden movements can negatively affect hatchability and chick quality.
- Rest Time for Eggs: After transporting eggs to the hatchery, it's advisable not to turn them for the first 12 hours to allow them to restore their internal balance.
- When to Stop Turning: For chicken eggs, stop turning on day 19 (day 2 on a countdown clock) to avoid disturbing the chicks as they prepare to hatch.

Choosing the Right Incubator
When selecting an incubator, consider one with automatic turning capabilities that fit the needs of the species you're hatching. Some incubators come with a countdown clock feature that stops turning two days before hatching to prevent injuries.

Turning eggs during incubation is an essential step in ensuring a successful hatch. By understanding and implementing proper turning techniques, you can improve hatch rates and the overall health of your chicks.

For high-quality incubators and expert advice, contact Engoho Kuku Farmer today at +254727474045 or +254716566544, or visit Engoho Kuku Farmer.

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