CO2 poisoning in egg tubs

[jgaumer]

Since egg tubs are usually pretty air tight, are the chances for CO2 poisoning very high? Would it be best to drill holes in the bottom of the tubs around the vermiculite level to ensure no CO2 buildup? I understand you would have to check humidity more often this way but it seems a lot safer.

Thoughts?

[SquamishSerpents]

in my experience, i've never heard of eggs being harmed by C02 poisoning. however, i've only been "in the biz" for about 3 years. most people open their tubs every now and again to get air exchange

[PassionsPythons]

I have one 1/8th inch hole drilled at the end of each of my egg boxes. That lets air circulate in and out of the box. I also check my eggs once a week to get fresh air into the incubator as well. I doubt you would have build-up enough to kill and egg.

[J.Vandegrift]

I have no hole and I think my tubs are pretty well airtight. I open them once on day 40 to candle them and see what I got, and then again on day 60 which is my cut day. I wait until day 60 because I incubate at 87 (may go to 86 next year) to hopefully avoid kinked caramels.

[jgaumer]

What about once the eggs are cut? With the snakes popping their heads out the CO2 buildup rate would be a lot higher. I know you shouldnt remove the snakes after cutting and should wait for them to come out on their own, so would you need better ventilation while they sit in their eggs?

[A.VinczeBPs]

Compared to mammals, they do through very little air when they start using their lungs.
I open for air exchange once every week, and then once every day or two on day 50ish until they all come out. It works well, and some people do so even less and there have never been any problems I've ever heard of.

Most common problem is lack of humidity, so really, I'd be more concerned about keeping them nice and humid than worrying if they have enough air.

[jjmitchell]

you get alot of air exchange when you open the boxes to cut.... so there will be oxygen in the tub.... I wouldnt worry about it watch ralph davis's videos on you tube.... He puts seran wrap kinda stuff between the container and lid that would make it more likely to be air tight....

[stevepoppers]

I recall Big Gunns recommending to "burp" them for the last few weeks, to keep humidity from getting totally out of control and causing mold. Haven't heard of Carbon Dioxide concerns, though.

Where the heck is that guy, anyways?