Incubation Tips and Tricks Week 4 - Turning and Positioning of Eggs

One of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of successful incubation is how the eggs are positioned and turned.

Why turning matters

In nature, a hen shifts her eggs many times a day. This prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell and helps organs and blood vessels develop correctly. Without regular turning, chicks may fail to grow properly.

Manual vs. Automatic Turning

• Manual Turning
    If you’re hand-turning, aim for 3–5 times per day at consistent intervals. A simple “X” on one side and “O” on the other helps you keep track. Manual turning works well but requires commitment and consistency.
  
• Automatic Turners
    Auto turners are a valuable upgrade. They maintain a regular schedule and prevent unnecessary handling of eggs, giving you more consistent results and peace of mind.

What to Look for in an Auto Turner

Not all auto turners are equal. Look for features that go beyond basic rolling:

• Day Counter – Tracks incubation days so you know exactly how far along your hatch is.
  
• Automatic Turning Stop – Stops turning three days before hatch (lockdown), so chicks can position correctly.
  
• Adjustable Turning Interval – Allows fine-tuning of how often eggs are turned, useful for different bird species and hatch conditions.

Rolling vs. Tilting — What Does the Science Say?

Some incubators roll eggs, others tilt them side-to-side. While both methods are designed to mimic a hen’s natural movements, there is no conclusive scientific evidence proving one method produces better hatch rates than the other. What matters most is that eggs are turned regularly and consistently, whichever method your incubator uses.

The Origin Advantage

Our Origin Series incubators include advanced auto turner features as standard:

• Clear day counter with digital display.
  
• Programmable turning intervals to suit different species.
  
• Automatic lockdown mode, stopping turning at the right time.

These features take the stress out of incubation and put you in control, helping you achieve reliable hatching results every season.