The Poultry Keeper

anni · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 25 Location: UK

I am nearing the end of incubation now... three weeks has never felt so long! Now on day 17. Most of the stuff I have read says to stop turning three days before the hatch day (so day18 would be last day for turning), but some have also said that bentam eggs often hatch on day 19/20, so I was wondering if I should stop turning after today (to leave day 18, 19 &20 as unturned)- does it do any harm to the chicks if I turn them too long?

Please help...very confused here, I usually just stick them under a broody and let her get on with it! Shocked

Kitsune · Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 1406 Location: Manchester

I think either will be fine - it's just to give the chicks a chance to get oriented in the right way to find the air sac - I don't think a day either side will make much difference Smile

good luck with the hatch!

CP · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:45 am Post subject:

We have bantams & always stop turning on day 18. Bantams are like any other chicken eggs. Sometimes they hatch early & sometimes they dont.... Wink

Good luck & don't forget to post some pics when they hatch! Very Happy

anni · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 25 Location: UK

thanks for that. yes - I have hatched bantams before and sure they appeared on day 21 - though they did look suspiciously fluffy for just-hatched chicks... methinks mum was hiding them for a while! Rolling Eyes

will post pics as soon as i have news - buff orpingtons due off on same day...yay! Very Happy

mojo · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

turn for 18 days up the humidity and then have patiience and dont fiddle with the eggs