[nuzuki]

I just wondered why are the eggs left to settle for 24 hours? does a female hen do this when broody? Surely they must get kicked about etc? I guess what im saying is I cant imagine a hen waiting 24 hours inbetween laying and sitting. Also why do we stop turning on the 18th day? How would a chicken know its the 18th day?

In summary im asking how did it come abotu that we follow this method of incuabtion, surely we must of based it on broody hen behavior?

Thanks

[joyfull]

If eggs have come through the postal system then they can have been shaken around far worse than any hen turning the eggs - you need to let the yolk centralise again.
As for not turning after day 18 - you will often find that a hen will also just sit for the last couple of days without coming out or if she does she may not rotate them. She may move them around in their position but not necessarily turn them.

[nuzuki]

Thanks Joyfull. I drove about half a mile to get some hatching eggs locally would that mean I wouldnt need to leave them 24 hours to settle? I was careful in handling them, kept them the right way up, etc.

[joyfull]

I did exactly the same and never rested them - the result was 100% hatch rate 

[nuzuki]

Thats great so maybe it helps being fresher. Fingers crossed for a higher hatch rate this time. I didnt have much luck in the beginning but now have about 60% or higher using the homebrew incubator 

I have frizzle chicks hatching next, they should get a few laughs from the villagers