Experienced advice wanted!! First hatch with the "Farm Innovators Pro Series Circulated Air Incubat

Date sort Score sort
RussianChickens

RussianChickens

Songster
9 Years
Jul 2, 2013
604
47
181
Michigan (USA)
I just bought an incubator from TSC. It has an automatic turner and fan and heat. This will be my first time with one of these bators. I have a very precious shipment of eggs coming so I want to make sure I have everything just perfect.

Can anyone give me some advice on using this model please? The directions leave something to be desired.


1) What end goes down into the turners cups? Big or small? (Haven't used automatic before, dumb question I know.)

2) How is best to fill the water slots at the bottom? Sense the turner is in the way. Take the turner out or fill in between the eggs?

3) On day 18 is it best to remove the eggs from the turner and place them on the screen? Or leave them in the turner? (I know we don't move them past day 18.)

2-3) Does the turner shut off automatically on day 18 or do I need to unplug it?


4) After I get my eggs in the mail must I let them set or can they go direct into the bator?

2-4) I have the bator prepared and up to temp and speed prior to placing the eggs in correct? or do I put my eggs in and then turn it on?


What else should I know aside from the basics, humidity, temp and 21 days?

Is there anything I should know about this bator that I may not already know? (I'm testing it out right now)


EGG CLEANERS? What should I use and do I need to use it? Eggs are coming through mail.



I want to make sure these chicks have the best hatch so tell me anything you think would help me!
jumpy.gif


Thank you!
 
Last edited:
RussianChickens said:
I just bought an incubator from TSC. It has an automatic turner and fan and heat. This will be my first time with one of these bators. I have a very precious shipment of eggs coming so I want to make sure I have everything just perfect.

Can anyone give me some advice on using this model please? The directions leave something to be desired.


1) What end goes down into the turners cups? Big or small? (Haven't used automatic before, dumb question I know.)
Small end down. Air cell must be at the top, if there is any doubt, candle to fidn teh air cell.

2) How is best to fill the water slots at the bottom? Sense the turner is in the way. Take the turner out or fill in between the eggs?
Try a baster or syringe with a flexible tube. This is also very handy for adding water after lockdown, when you really don't want to open it.

3) On day 18 is it best to remove the eggs from the turner and place them on the screen? Or leave them in the turner? (I know we don't move them past day 18.)
Remove the turner and put the eggs on their side, large end slightly elevated.

2-3) Does the turner shut off automatically on day 18 or do I need to unplug it?
Unplug and remove it.


4) After I get my eggs in the mail must I let them set or can they go direct into the bator?
Let them set, large end up for a day. When you set them, don't plugin the turner until day 3.


2-4) I have the bator prepared and up to temp and speed prior to placing the eggs in correct? or do I put my eggs in and then turn it on?
Get the temp stable first, then add eggs, expect it to take several hours or overnight to get the temp back up.

hat else should I know aside from the basics, humidity, temp and 21 days?

Is there anything I should know about this bator that I may not already know? (I'm testing it out right now)


EGG CLEANERS? What should I use and do I need to use it? Eggs are coming through mail.
Never clean or wash then, put them in as they come.


I want to make sure these chicks have the best hatch so tell me anything you think would help me!
jumpy.gif


Thank you!
Click to expand...
 
RussianChickens said:
I just bought an incubator from TSC. It has an automatic turner and fan and heat. This will be my first time with one of these bators. I have a very precious shipment of eggs coming so I want to make sure I have everything just perfect.

Can anyone give me some advice on using this model please? The directions leave something to be desired.


1) What end goes down into the turners cups? Big or small? (Haven't used automatic before, dumb question I know.)
I wouldn't call myself experienced but I am on my second hatch using that incubator. I don't have anything to compare it to but I like it.
1) small end down, you want the air cell upward, so be sure to candle any eggs that look more round so you are certain you are putting the right side up.

2) How is best to fill the water slots at the bottom? Sense the turner is in the way. Take the turner out or fill in between the eggs?
2) I don't, I use the dry method found here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-incubate-hatch-eggs-using-the-dry-incubation-method
I use a syringe attached to a tube that I run down into the water channels and if I need to put water in (like for lockdown) that is how I do it.

3) On day 18 is it best to remove the eggs from the turner and place them on the screen? Or leave them in the turner? (I know we don't move them past day 18.)
3) I removed mine. I didn't want to see newly hatched chicks fumbling around on top and possibly injuring their legs.

2-3) Does the turner shut off automatically on day 18 or do I need to unplug it?
2-3) You have to unplug it.


4) After I get my eggs in the mail must I let them set or can they go direct into the bator?
4) I don't do shipped eggs but everything I have read you let them rest for 24 hours big end up.

2-4) I have the bator prepared and up to temp and speed prior to placing the eggs in correct? or do I put my eggs in and then turn it on?
2-4) Get is set up for at least 24 hours prior to setting eggs. This way you can monitor for any adjustments and don't ruin your eggs with things like temp spikes, etc.

What else should I know aside from the basics, humidity, temp and 21 days?
I recommend reading the dry hatch method I linked above. Excellent information.

Is there anything I should know about this bator that I may not already know? (I'm testing it out right now)
Not that I can think of off hand.

EGG CLEANERS? What should I use and do I need to use it? Eggs are coming through mail.
I don't clean my eggs with anything, but I don't set my eggs that are extremely dirty either. I have placed eggs with "smudges" on them and they did just fine.



I want to make sure these chicks have the best hatch so tell me anything you think would help me!
jumpy.gif


Thank you!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks everyone!

Any one else? I like to get as many perspectives as I can. Its very interesting. I think i know how this bator will work now. It is still holding temp and humidity today. Been running all night.


Say, does this thing have a monitor to keep the temp at 99.5 or did I just luck out where I turned the dial? LOL
 
1) What end goes down into the turners cups? Big or small? (Haven't used automatic before, dumb question I know.)
Small end goes down, big end goes up! :)

2) How is best to fill the water slots at the bottom? Sense the turner is in the way. Take the turner out or fill in between the eggs?
I do not use the water slots in the bottom because of what you described (it is underneath the turner). Instead, I use a (new out of the package) sponge laid next to the turner for humidity.
Day 1-18 humidity: 25-45%
Day 19-21 humidity: 55-65%
Please note that many people here on BYC prefer to use the "dry incubation method" (see link in my signature). Basically, you keep the incubator around 25-45% initially INSTEAD OF 50-60% which is what most incubator instructions tell you to do.

Depending on how many eggs you incubate, you might not need to add any water/sponge at all. For example, if I fill my farm innovators incubator completely full with 41 eggs, I will have perfect 35% humidity without adding ANY water at all. This is because the eggs are evaporating and creating their own moisture/humidity. However, if I only incubate about 12 eggs in my 41 egg incubator, I will probably need extra humidity. I cut up a sponge and use a piece about 1in x 1in square. I wet the sponge every day. This keeps my incubator about 30-35% day 1-18.

At day 19 I will add a whole, uncut wet sponge and that should get me to 60%.


3) On day 18 is it best to remove the eggs from the turner and place them on the screen? Or leave them in the turner? (I know we don't move them past day 18.)
Shipped eggs: Leave them in the turner and let them hatch upright
Non-shipped eggs (local): Lay them on their sides on the screen

2-3) Does the turner shut off automatically on day 18 or do I need to unplug it?
You will need to turn it off


4) After I get my eggs in the mail must I let them set or can they go direct into the bator?
I let shipped eggs rest in a cool place (65F) for 24 hours before I set them.
If my shipped eggs have detached air cells when they arrive, I also do not start the turner for the first 2 days of incubation. With detached air cells, I am also VERY careful never to turn them on their side; the egg is held upright at all times, at all costs, and it is not removed for candling. The reason is so that the air cell can re-heal, since it was detached. By turning the egg all around, the air cell can detach again.

2-4) I have the bator prepared and up to temp and speed prior to placing the eggs in correct? or do I put my eggs in and then turn it on?
Yup, I like to run the incubator for 3-4 days before setting eggs to make sure everything is stable. :) when you do go to set your eggs, try to warm your eggs up slowly (don't shock them by going from 65F to 100F). I do this over about 8 hours by bringing the eggs into progressively warmer rooms. I keep them in a cold room 65F for the 24hrs of rest. Then I bring them into the kitchen. Then I take them into the living room. I get closer to our woodstove (heat source) with the eggs over an entire day 8 hours. When the eggs are 85-90 degrees, then I feel comfortable putting them into the 99.5F degree incubator.
Putting cold eggs in can make them sweat and become non-viable.

What else should I know aside from the basics, humidity, temp and 21 days?
Check out both links in my signature, very good reading :)

Is there anything I should know about this bator that I may not already know? (I'm testing it out right now)
Sometimes, when you turn the turner on, it makes the incubator rise 1 degree.
I have my incubator temperature knob set from previous hatches and I NEVER touch it, EVER.

EGG CLEANERS? What should I use and do I need to use it? Eggs are coming through mail.
I don't clean my eggs, either for eating OR for incubating. The hen leaves a protective layer ("bloom") on the egg which keeps bacteria from entering the egg's pores. If you wash this bloom off, you open the pores up to bacteria! Unwashed eggs don't need to be refrigerated, only eggs without bloom need to be refrigerated because of bacteria.
If you ever DO wash your eggs, just make sure the water is slightly warmer than the temperature of the egg. Cold water will force bacteria into the egg, do not use cold.
 
Farmer Viola said:
1) What end goes down into the turners cups? Big or small? (Haven't used automatic before, dumb question I know.)
Small end goes down, big end goes up! :)

2) How is best to fill the water slots at the bottom? Sense the turner is in the way. Take the turner out or fill in between the eggs?
I do not use the water slots in the bottom because of what you described (it is underneath the turner). Instead, I use a (new out of the package) sponge laid next to the turner for humidity.
Day 1-18 humidity: 25-45%
Day 19-21 humidity: 55-65%
Please note that many people here on BYC prefer to use the "dry incubation method" (see link in my signature). Basically, you keep the incubator around 25-45% initially INSTEAD OF 50-60% which is what most incubator instructions tell you to do.

Depending on how many eggs you incubate, you might not need to add any water/sponge at all. For example, if I fill my farm innovators incubator completely full with 41 eggs, I will have perfect 35% humidity without adding ANY water at all. This is because the eggs are evaporating and creating their own moisture/humidity. However, if I only incubate about 12 eggs in my 41 egg incubator, I will probably need extra humidity. I cut up a sponge and use a piece about 1in x 1in square. I wet the sponge every day. This keeps my incubator about 30-35% day 1-18.

At day 19 I will add a whole, uncut wet sponge and that should get me to 60%.


3) On day 18 is it best to remove the eggs from the turner and place them on the screen? Or leave them in the turner? (I know we don't move them past day 18.)
Shipped eggs: Leave them in the turner and let them hatch upright
Non-shipped eggs (local): Lay them on their sides on the screen

2-3) Does the turner shut off automatically on day 18 or do I need to unplug it?
You will need to turn it off


4) After I get my eggs in the mail must I let them set or can they go direct into the bator?
I let shipped eggs rest in a cool place (65F) for 24 hours before I set them.
If my shipped eggs have detached air cells when they arrive, I also do not start the turner for the first 2 days of incubation. With detached air cells, I am also VERY careful never to turn them on their side; the egg is held upright at all times, at all costs, and it is not removed for candling. The reason is so that the air cell can re-heal, since it was detached. By turning the egg all around, the air cell can detach again.

2-4) I have the bator prepared and up to temp and speed prior to placing the eggs in correct? or do I put my eggs in and then turn it on?
Yup, I like to run the incubator for 3-4 days before setting eggs to make sure everything is stable. :) when you do go to set your eggs, try to warm your eggs up slowly (don't shock them by going from 65F to 100F). I do this over about 8 hours by bringing the eggs into progressively warmer rooms. I keep them in a cold room 65F for the 24hrs of rest. Then I bring them into the kitchen. Then I take them into the living room. I get closer to our woodstove (heat source) with the eggs over an entire day 8 hours. When the eggs are 85-90 degrees, then I feel comfortable putting them into the 99.5F degree incubator.
Putting cold eggs in can make them sweat and become non-viable.

What else should I know aside from the basics, humidity, temp and 21 days?
Check out both links in my signature, very good reading :)

Is there anything I should know about this bator that I may not already know? (I'm testing it out right now)
Sometimes, when you turn the turner on, it makes the incubator rise 1 degree.
I have my incubator temperature knob set from previous hatches and I NEVER touch it, EVER.

EGG CLEANERS? What should I use and do I need to use it? Eggs are coming through mail.
I don't clean my eggs, either for eating OR for incubating. The hen leaves a protective layer ("bloom") on the egg which keeps bacteria from entering the egg's pores. If you wash this bloom off, you open the pores up to bacteria! Unwashed eggs don't need to be refrigerated, only eggs without bloom need to be refrigerated because of bacteria.
If you ever DO wash your eggs, just make sure the water is slightly warmer than the temperature of the egg. Cold water will force bacteria into the egg, do not use cold.
Click to expand...
Thanks!

PS how best to warm them up from the mail? Its very cold so I imagine they will sweat if i bring them in. PS, can this cold hurt them in shipping? Its been between 20s and 40s during the day but sometimes super cold at night. They are only crossing one state.
 
RussianChickens said:
Thanks!

PS how best to warm them up from the mail? Its very cold so I imagine they will sweat if i bring them in. PS, can this cold hurt them in shipping? Its been between 20s and 40s during the day but sometimes super cold at night. They are only crossing one state.
Click to expand...

Hmm well what I do, I have this laser thermometer thing that my husband bought for me from amazon
this is the one I have but there are cheaper ones too http://www.amazon.com/Infrared-Ther...ntact+Infrared+Thermometer+with+Laser+Pointer
some people say these things are not accurate but I really enjoy using mine.....

Ok so when the eggs arrive, I shoot them with that thing and see what their temp is. I have a thermometer in my "cold room," it's our guest bathroom and it gets cold in there (old farm house) so that is where I know it will be about 65F, I put a thermometer in that room too to be sure. I will shoot the eggs with the laser thermometer throughout the day to watch their temperature rise slowly.

when I am getting the eggs really warm, I place them on the coffee table in front of the woodstove. I can shoot the laser thermometer at the coffee table and if it's 85F, I know that my eggs will also become 85F. One side of the coffee table might be 80, the other side 85. I match the temperature of the surface to the temp of the eggs, and then move the eggs to a warmer location.

20s is pretty cold, if your eggs freeze solid they are not viable... but also remember that the package is likely in a vehicle or in a sorting building and probably isn't as cold as the weather is outside. Sometimes sellers will include a heat pack during winter months!
 
Just bring them in and let them set at room temperature for 24 hours. (perhaps take them out of the box, but leave them in the bubble wrap for a few hours, then set them in egg cartons for the remainder of the 24 hour rest period. It would be a good idea to get a couple bottles of warm water in the incubator at least = to the volume of the eggs you will be putting in. That will give you a better handle on how well the incubator is holding temps. Ideally, it should hold for at least 24 hours without you having to adjust the thermostat before setting eggs. When you put the eggs in, take the bottles out, unless you have extra room, in which case you can leave one or more bottles. Then, don't adjust the temp for the first 12 - 24 hours, unless you have the temp go above your desired range. Also, use your thermometer to test the temperature in multiple locations inside the incubator. Even with the fan, you may see variations up to 1.5 degrees depending on your air flow. THE MORE TIME YOU SPEND GETTING THINGS PERFECT BEFORE PUTTING THE EGGS IN, THE LESS PANIC AND ADJUSTMENT YOU'LL HAVE TO DO AFTER THEY GO IN!!!

Thermometer and hygrometer accuracy are the most difficult things to deal with in home incubation, especially when the meters that come with an incubator may not be reliable. There are several options for calibration, or making "math" adjustments to get an accurate temp and humidity reading. Ice water calibration and salt water calibration are sometimes recommended. An other option is to find a thermometer that is most likely accurate, and use that as your gold standard, then test all of your other options in a 100 degree water bath. This is my preferred method, because, even if you have a rod thermometer that is accurate at 32 degrees, it still may not be accurate at 100 degrees. I use an old fashioned mercury medical thermometer as my gold standard. Others use digital medical thermometers for the same with good results.

Lock down: I like to put a piece of waffle shelf liner over the wire when laying my eggs flat for lock down. This is softer on the chicks fragile skin, and not as likely to catch delicate structures if they have any herniation or unabsorbed yolk sacs. Mark your day 18 air cells, and the likely pip location, and orient the eggs with that pip location facing up.

I like to use a piece of sponge 1" x 3" in a small cup, with a length of airline tubing attached to a syringe to control humidity until lock down, then I add a larger sponge. This makes it super easy to control humidity without opening up the incubator. I HIGHLY recommend that you try a "dry" hatch, following the guidelines listed by Russian Chickens.

Happy hatching, and be sure to keep us informed about how things are going for you.
 

Similar threads

CloneFly
Staggered Hatch Dilemma
Replies
1
Views
951
NatJ
NatJ
beccabonny
Quail Hatch - Thought I had more time!
Replies
1
Views
661
Patiocoturnix
Patiocoturnix
Fluster Cluck Acres
    • Love
Should I move this pipped egg?
Replies
6
Views
513
Stanpott
S
CrazyForMyPeeps802
    • Love
Questions before incubating my first eggs!
Replies
6
Views
427
CrazyForMyPeeps802
CrazyForMyPeeps802
farmcraftpunk
    • Love
Help! Advice and ideas for a combination upright and side turner.
Replies
2
Views
538
farmcraftpunk
farmcraftpunk

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom