probably a stupid question..do I remove the thermometor?

On day 18 when putting into lockdown, what am I suppose to do with the egg thermometer that sets on top of the eggs? Do I take it out? Also mine has a digital one that is attached and hangs down. Can I put that on the floor of the incubator or does it need to stay on the top?

ledbythelamb said:

On day 18 when putting into lockdown, what am I suppose to do with the egg thermometer that sets on top of the eggs? Do I take it out? Also mine has a digital one that is attached and hangs down. Can I put that on the floor of the incubator or does it need to stay on the top?

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You can set the one on the eggs on the screen (floor), as for the sensor, I'm not sure what others do, but I BELIEVE too much movement with the sensor that hangs down can effect the thermostat, so I'd leave that alone until someone that uses one of those models chime in. Is it a Little Giant?

No, I believe it is Farm Innovator or something..got it at Tractor Supply and I hate it :/ I'm afraid if a chick hatches and keeps running into it and moving it that the temp will spike or lower. Its very touchy and was a pain in the arse when eggs were in turner.

ledbythelamb said:

No, I believe it is Farm Innovator or something..got it at Tractor Supply and I hate it

I'm afraid if a chick hatches and keeps running into it and moving it that the temp will spike or lower. Its very touchy and was a pain in the arse when eggs were in turner.

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That was my second guess- the FI. That's what I understand about them, that when they are moved it throws off the thermostat. Hopefully someone will chime in with what they've done at hatch time for it.

I use the FI 2450 from Tractor Supply. I don't even think you can remove the sensor even if you wanted to. I think it would completely mess up the temperature controller. I just let it hang down like normal and then adjust the temp based on the thermometer that I put in there, which I lay on the bottom when I take the turner out. I haven't had to touch the temp in weeks, though. Mine is holding perfect. Does yours fluctuate a lot?

To get ready for hatch, take the eggs out, remove the auto turner. Line the screen with shelf liner. Some people use paper towels. To adjust the humidity, wet a sponge or washcloth (I use a washcloth so I can throw it in the washer afterwards), squeeze it out. Set it on the shelf line or if you use paper towels I guess put it on a small plate or tupperware lid. Place the eggs back in. I space them out. Put your thermometer in and top back on. It takes less than 5 minutes. You can also do a final candling at that time. Keep an eye on your temp and humidity and make adjustments as necessary. You may need a wetter or drier sponge or cloth to get the right level.