When to Stop Turning Chicken Eggs for a Successful Hatch

Turning eggs during incubation is a crucial part of the hatching process. But knowing when to stop turning the eggs is just as important. Stop turning too early and the embryos may stick to the shell. Stop too late and you risk disorienting the chicks right before hatching. So when is the right time to stop turning chicken eggs?

The general consensus among backyard chicken keepers and commercial hatcheries is to stop turning eggs on day 18 of a 21-day incubation period. Here’s why day 18 is the ideal time to stop turning the eggs and how proper turning leads to higher hatch rates.

Why Turn Eggs During Incubation

Turning eggs multiple times a day in the first half of incubation provides several benefits:

• It prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell, which can kill the developing chick. As the embryo grows, it tends to rest on the side of the egg. Turning the egg ensures the embryo doesn’t get stuck.

• Turning distributes heat evenly inside the egg so all sides develop at the same rate.

• It allows nutrients to absorb properly and gives the embryo room to move and develop

• Mimics the natural movements of a broody hen rotating her eggs.

Experts recommend turning eggs at least 3 times a day and up to 5 times a day in the first 14 days of incubation. For best results, turn the eggs an odd number of times to alternate the embryo’s position.

Turning should be gentle, rotating the egg 180° so the embryo shifts from one side to the other. Avoid excessive turning or shaking of the eggs.

When to Stop Turning Chicken Eggs

Around day 18 of incubation, it’s time to stop turning the eggs. Here are two key reasons why day 18 is ideal:

1. Let the chick get into hatching position

Between days 15-18 the chick embryo is finishing development and getting ready to hatch. It starts moving into hatching position, with its head tucked under the right wing and facing the air cell at the large end of the egg.

If the egg is still being turned during this positioning phase, it can disrupt the chick or delay the hatch. Stopping turning on day 18 allows the chick to properly orient itself for hatching without interference.

2. Provide a stable environment

In the last 3-4 days before hatching, the chick has less room to move inside the egg. But its organs and respiratory system are still developing. Any abrupt movements or shaking of the egg at this stage can damage delicate blood vessels or other structures.

By stopping turning on day 18, the chick has a stable environment for finishing development before hatching begins.

Signs Your Eggs Are Ready for Lockdown

Waiting until exactly day 18 to stop turning isn’t always perfect. Every incubator and batch of eggs can be slightly different. Here are signs your eggs are ready for “lockdown” a bit earlier than day 18:

• Candling shows larger air cells and darkening around the edges as the chick takes position
• You can hear faint chirping or pecking sounds
• Eggs feel lighter when lifted
• Eggs seem to wobble or shake on their own

Use these cues to adjust your timing rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. Just remember that stopping turning too early (before day 15) can also cause problems.

How To Perform Lockdown

On day 18, you’ll switch from actively turning the eggs to leaving them completely untouched. Here are some tips for lockdown:

• Mark each egg with an X on the side that was facing up before lockdown. This lets you check that the eggs stay in position.

• Avoid opening the incubator. Limit disruptions that can shake the eggs or alter temperature/humidity.

• Don’t tilt or angle the incubator. Keep it completely level.

• Ensure eggs aren’t touching each other to prevent damage when chicks pip shells.

• Add water to incubation media like sponges to boost humidity for hatching.

Now you wait patiently for the chicks to fully develop and pip their shells when ready, which typically occurs on day 21. Resist the urge to assist hatching chicks. This struggle strengthens them for life outside the incubator.

Best Practices for Turning Eggs

To get the full benefits of egg turning, follow these best practices:

Turn eggs at least 3 times per day

For the first 17 days of incubation, turn eggs a minimum of 3 times daily. More frequent turning, up to 5 times daily, is even better. Just avoid excessive turning or jostling.

Be consistent with timing

Turn eggs on a consistent schedule rather than random times. Consistency allows the embryos to anticipate and adjust to movements.

Use gentle rotations of 180°

Only rotate eggs far enough to reposition the embryo, about halfway around. Over-rotating can disorient the developing chick.

Alternate the turning direction

Switch between turning the small and large ends up to keep embryos balanced. Don’t repeatedly turn the same end upwards.

Monitor incubation conditions

Ensure the incubator maintains proper temperature and humidity throughout. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you turn eggs in an incubator?

Turn eggs at least 3 times per day through day 17, then stop on day 18. More frequent turning up to 5 times daily can improve hatch rates. Just avoid excessive rotations.

What happens if you don’t stop turning chicken eggs?

If turning continues past day 18, it can disrupt the chick’s positioning for hatching. Late turning may delay or prevent some chicks from hatching properly.

Can you stop turning chicken eggs on day 17?

It’s best to stop turning on day 18 in most cases. However, if eggs show early signs of readiness like pip marks or movement, stopping on day 17 is reasonable. Just avoid stopping too early, before day 15.

Should you turn eggs right before hatching?

Absolutely not. Turning eggs after day 17 can interfere with the hatching process. A stable environment is crucial in the final days for chicks to pip shells and fully emerge.

What is the proper way to turn chicken eggs?

Turn eggs gently 180°, alternating the small and large ends up. Turn 3-5 times per day before lockdown on day 18. Avoid shaking, tilting, or over-rotating eggs.

The exact day for stopping egg turning depends on the breed, incubator, and individual eggs. But in most cases, day 18 is ideal to allow proper chick positioning before hatching. Following best practices for gentle, consistent turning in the first 17 days is key for a successful hatch.