Backyard Poultry Forum

Hi all,

Well I have candled at day 7 and at least some (9?) of the 20 appear to be developing so I am thinking ahead to hatching. I have been reading through all the threads and people mention putting a non slip surface into the incubator in the final 3 days after eggs stop turning. Is there any specific mats that people recommend- Chux sponges?

Just get some rubber drawer liner from Bunnings or the cheap shops and cut to size.

Thanks heaps Sue- that's really helpful!

Like Sue I use a non slip rubber drawer liner.
I use it for a multitude of things, hatching tray in the incubator, under the brooder for the first few days with crumble scattered over it until chickens start to feed and drink being a soft rubber of a nobbly texture with holes it allows any water spills to drain through to an absorbent layer beneath.
I also use it to line carry boxes for bantams, cut to size it is easily cleaned and birds don't slip on plastic floors of pet carry boxes.
I buy it in a roll of 45 cm X 3 mtrs then cut to size I require.
I have also seen it in smaller pieces and sold as non slip place mats in the cheap or bargain shops.

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Malay Game specialist Std & bantam. Breeding since 1968, interested in breed since 1950's

Thanks so much Oaklands - I have found some at the dollar shop- one a very fine weave- almost like an imitation lace which I will put in incubator and a thicker one which looks like small woven square mesh which I will put in the brooder

Thank you both so much for the fast response!

Wash it really thoroughly and let it dry before use.

If you're using the egg tray that comes with the unit you can leave that in and put the mat on top. That means you can keep the despressions/dips that the eggs sit in - that will stop them rolling around all over the place (I reckon it's easier for a chick to get through an egg that stays put....the energy of the blows on the shell is entirely directed at breaking the shell rather than being wasted on rolling the egg around).

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

Many thanks Rach- will absolutely take that advice