Turning eggs during incubation is critical for healthy embryo development and high hatch rates. Without proper turning, embryos can stick to the shell, causing deformities or failed hatches.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ Why egg turning is essential
✅ How often to turn eggs for different poultry species
✅ Manual vs. automatic egg turning: Pros & cons
✅ Best practices to improve hatch rates
🔹 Why Is Turning Eggs Important?
Egg turning mimics the natural process of a hen moving her eggs in the nest. Here’s why it’s crucial:
✔️ Prevents embryos from sticking to the eggshell, which can cause malformations.
✔️ Ensures even heat distribution, so no part of the egg gets too cold or hot.
✔️ Helps proper yolk and fluid movement, which promotes normal chick development.
✔️ Increases hatch rates by providing optimal conditions for growth.
🔹 How Often Should You Turn Eggs?
The number of turns per day varies based on the bird species. Here’s the recommended turning schedule:
| Bird Species 🐣 | Turns per Day | Stop Turning On | Total Incubation Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken 🐔 | 3-5 times | Day 18 | 21 days |
| Duck 🦆 | 4-6 times | Day 25 | 28 days |
| Turkey 🦃 | 4 times | Day 25 | 28 days |
| Pigeon 🕊️ | 4-6 times | Day 14 | 17-18 days |
| Quail 🥚 | 3-5 times | Day 14 | 17-18 days |
💡 Tip: Always stop turning eggs 3 days before hatch day (this is called "lockdown") so the embryo can position itself for hatching.
🔹 Manual vs. Automatic Egg Turning: Which is Best?
There are two ways to turn eggs: manually or using an automatic egg turner. Let’s compare:
| Feature | Manual Turning | Automatic Turner |
|---|---|---|
| Effort Required | High (Turn eggs 3-6 times daily) | Low (Machine does it automatically) |
| Accuracy | Human error possible | Precise, even turning |
| Risk of Skipping Turns | High if you forget | Low |
| Best for | Small batches (1-20 eggs) | Large batches (20+ eggs) |
✅ Recommendation: If you’re incubating a few eggs, manual turning is fine. But for higher hatch success, an automatic turner is highly recommended.
🔹 How to Manually Turn Eggs Properly
If you’re turning eggs by hand, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Wash Hands – Always handle eggs with clean, dry hands to prevent bacteria contamination.
2️⃣ Mark Eggs – Use a pencil (not a marker) to draw "X" on one side and "O" on the other for tracking.
3️⃣ Turn Gently – Roll eggs side to side, not end to end, to avoid damaging the embryo.
4️⃣ Keep Track of Turns – Turn 3-6 times daily, ensuring even intervals (e.g., every 6-8 hours).
5️⃣ Stop Turning at Lockdown – On day 18 (chickens), stop turning to allow chicks to position for hatching.
💡 Tip: Set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping turns!
🔹 Best Practices for Automatic Egg Turners
✔️ Check daily to ensure the turner is working.
✔️ Keep eggs properly spaced to avoid collisions.
✔️ Clean the turner before every incubation cycle to remove bacteria.
✔️ Stop automatic turning on lockdown day (usually 3 days before hatch).
💡 Tip: Most incubators with automatic turners rotate eggs every 1-2 hours, which is optimal for hatch success.
🔹 Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
🚫 Not Turning Eggs Enough
- Leads to embryo sticking to shell and malformations.
- ✅ Solution: Turn at least 3-5 times daily or use an automatic turner.
🚫 Turning Eggs Too Late in Incubation
- Chicks need to settle into hatching position.
- ✅ Solution: Stop turning on day 18 for chickens (adjust for other birds).
🚫 Rolling Eggs Incorrectly
- Turning end-over-end can harm embryos.
- ✅ Solution: Always roll eggs side-to-side.
🚫 Forgetting to Wash Hands
- Dirty hands = bacteria contamination = hatch failure.
- ✅ Solution: Always wash hands before handling eggs.
🔹 Final Thoughts
Proper egg turning is essential for healthy chick development and high hatch rates. Whether you turn eggs manually or use an automatic turner, consistent and careful handling will give you the best results.
🐣 Key Takeaways:
✅ Turn eggs at least 3-5 times daily (or use an automatic turner).
✅ Mark eggs (X/O) to track turns if turning manually.
✅ Never turn eggs end-over-end, always roll side-to-side.
✅ Stop turning on lockdown day (3 days before hatch).
✅ Clean hands and tools to prevent contamination.
Follow these best practices, and you’ll enjoy stronger, healthier chicks! 🥚🔥