First time using incubators

[HoosierHensFarm]

Hey, new here to the community, and I would like any advise anyone wants to put in here.

Since we are just starting our flock and don't have any mature hens, I have to use incubators. Growing up we just always used broody hens. I have the Brinsea mini advance (all digital, auto turning) and the other is the Hova-Bator 1602N (still air, manual turning); I've had them for 2 weeks now and I've been running them continuously for a week now so I could tinker with the settings and get stable temps. Any personal experiences with either model or just general suggestions? Thank you!

Note: I do not have my eggs yet, but will be getting my chicken eggs Wednesday.

 

[RubyNala97]

I have the Brinsea mini but the Eco model for hand turning. I LOVE it!! Be careful with humidity this time of year, depending on where you live. Do you have a hygrometer that you have calibrated?? That's super important. And are your eggs shipped? That's a whole other story, if they are! I recommend reading this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101
I still go back and read it sometimes!! Good luck!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I have the Brinsea mini but the Eco model for hand turning. I LOVE it!! Be careful with humidity this time of year, depending on where you live. Do you have a hygrometer that you have calibrated?? That's super important. And are your eggs shipped? That's a whole other story, if they are! I recommend reading this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101
I still go back and read it sometimes!! Good luck!

xs 2. Shipped eggs are harder to get a high hatch rate.
You will probably find you'll have better hatches in the hovabator with a low/dry incubation such as this method:http://letsraisechickens.weebly.com...anuals-understanding-and-controlling-humidity (unless you are high altitude) and around 40-45% with the Brinsea.
Make sure all your instruments (Thermometers/hygrometers) are checked and accurate. An incorrect thermometer can ruin your hatch. Still air should be 101-102F taken near the top of the egg, forced air 99.5. At lockdown you want between 65-75% humidity depending on wether you are a meddler or hands off hatcher.
When you candle, candle down into the egg from the top (rounded) end into the air cell and you'll see more and better.
When you have a question ask. You might get a dozen different answers (ok, probably, not might) but you'll be able to draw something from most and find what is going to work for you.
Good luck!

 

[HoosierHensFarm]

xs 2. Shipped eggs are harder to get a high hatch rate.
You will probably find you'll have better hatches in the hovabator with a low/dry incubation such as this method:http://letsraisechickens.weebly.com...anuals-understanding-and-controlling-humidity (unless you are high altitude) and around 40-45% with the Brinsea.
Make sure all your instruments (Thermometers/hygrometers) are checked and accurate. An incorrect thermometer can ruin your hatch. Still air should be 101-102F taken near the top of the egg, forced air 99.5.  At lockdown you want between 65-75% humidity depending on wether you are a meddler or hands off hatcher.
When you candle, candle down into the egg from the top (rounded) end into the air cell and you'll see more and better.
When you have a question ask. You might get a dozen different answers (ok, probably, not might) but you'll be able to draw something from most and find what is going to work for you.
Good luck!

Very informative! Thank you so much!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Very informative! Thank you so much!

You are welcome.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

And