To turn or to not turn.........

The Impact of Egg Turning on Coturnix Quail Hatch Rates: An Experimental Study by Guidroz Family Farm

The incubation of coturnix quail eggs has long been a subject of interest among aviculturists and hobbyists alike. One of the ongoing debates centers around the practice of turning eggs during incubation and its potential effects on hatch rates and the overall health of the hatchlings. To contribute to this discussion, we conducted an experiment to assess the impact of not turning eggs during incubation.

In our study, we began with a total of 450 coturnix quail eggs, all of which were placed in a hatcher using egg trays designed to keep the eggs stable and secure. The primary objective was to observe the hatching success without any rotational movement of the eggs, assessing both the hatch rate and the survival of the chicks post-hatching.

Upon completing the incubation period, we recorded the following outcomes:

• Total Eggs Placed: 450

• Eggs that Hatched: 148

• Chicks that Hatched but Did Not Survive: 20

From these figures, we derived the following key metrics:

1. Hatch Rate: approx 32.89%

2. Survival Rate of Hatchlings: approx 86.49%

   
   

These results indicate a hatch rate of approximately 32.89%, which is not negligible; however, it raises questions regarding the optimal conditions for incubation. The survival rate for the birds that did hatch stood at 86.49%, demonstrating that while most hatchlings were viable, a significant number suffered from defects that led to their demise.

The findings of our experiment suggest that while there is a measurable hatch rate, the absence of egg turning may have contributed to suboptimal outcomes. Turning eggs is thought to facilitate even heat distribution, promote proper development of the embryos, and prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell. When eggs are left stationary, embryos may develop abnormally or face challenges, leading to defects that prevent survival after hatching.

The notable survival rate of 86.49% among the hatchlings indicates that many chicks were strong and healthy despite the lack of egg turning. However, the fact that 20 out of 148 chicks did not survive due to defects highlights a potential risk that may be mitigated through turning eggs regularly during incubation.

While our experiment demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a hatch rate greater than zero without turning coturnix quail eggs, the results underscore the importance of best practices in incubation methods. Based on the data gathered, it is reasonable to conclude that turning eggs likely enhances the overall success of hatching and the viability of the chicks.

Further research and testing are necessary to build on these findings, exploring the effects of various incubation techniques and conditions on quail egg development. For those engaged in the art of quail incubation, considering the practice of turning eggs could be a crucial step toward improving hatch rates and the success of future breeding endeavors.

As the conversation surrounding incubation practices continues, sharing empirical evidence will help guide enthusiasts towards making informed decisions that promote the health and productivity of their quail populations.