Egg Position in Setter and Hatcher

Correct Answer: Upright & Horizontal

Egg position in the incubator is critical for proper embryo development:

• Setter (first 18 days): Eggs placed in upright position — broad end upward. This keeps the air cell (at the broad end) at the top, helping the embryo develop with head positioned toward the air cell.
• Hatcher (last 3 days): Eggs placed in horizontal position — allows the chick to pip (crack the shell) and hatch freely without rotation constraint.

Why This Matters

• The air cell at the broad end has maximum pores for gaseous exchange.
• Head of the embryo forms toward the broad end.
• Horizontal position in hatcher allows the chick to rotate and pip correctly.