Period During Which Chicken Eggs Are Turned in Incubator

Turning of the chicken egg during incubation should be done:

Correct Answer: During first 18 days only

Eggs in the incubator are turned only during the first 18 days of incubation (in the setter). During the last 3 days (in the hatcher), turning is stopped and eggs are placed horizontally to allow the chick to position itself correctly for pipping and hatching.

Turning Details

• Angle of turning: 45° vice-versa (alternate direction)
• Frequency: At least 8 times per day for optimum hatchability
• Objective: To prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane

What Happens If Turning Is Stopped in the Last 3 Days?

• The chick begins to position its head under the right wing toward the air cell (broad end).
• It pips into the air cell first (internal pip), then breaks through the shell (external pip).
• Continuing to turn during the last 3 days would disorient the chick and cause failed hatching (piped egg condition).