Any advice before I start my first hatch?

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Crittercuddler

Crittercuddler

Chirping
8 Years
Apr 6, 2014
37
1
89
TX
I've gone and ordered my first incubator. It's a Brinsea Eco 20 with the turner. I'm hoping that it's as simple and reliable as some of the reviews make it seem. I'm hoping to avoid some newbie mistakes. At least some of my eggs will be from a local source, but I'm contemplating hatching a few shipped eggs too to see the difference for myself. Where do you like to get your eggs?
 
From my yard if at all possible.

My best advice is to get the most accurate thermometer you can.
I love this one but the brinsea spot check is good too.
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html

Weighing the eggs on a gram scale can replace watching humidity. They should lose 0.65% in weight each day of incubation. You can make a graph and if they aren't on the line you can raise or lower humidity.
 
it should have a thermometer on it... are you suggesting an extra then? I did get a thermometer/hygrometer for the brooder, if it fits maybe I can use one for the incubator. Thanks!
 
Crittercuddler said:
I've gone and ordered my first incubator.  It's a Brinsea Eco 20 with the turner.  I'm hoping that it's as simple and reliable as some of the reviews make it seem.  I'm hoping to avoid some newbie mistakes.  At least some of my eggs will be from a local source, but I'm contemplating hatching a few shipped eggs too to see the difference for myself.  Where do you like to get your eggs?
Click to expand...
Hi my top tips would be take a deep breath and don't panic hatching is nerve wracking and exciting all rolled into one!! I think you have made a great choice of incubator with the Brinsea I upgraded to the octagon 24 advance ex with humidity pump and turner and have not looked back since 80-100% even with eggs through the post. I would suggest setting it up for at least two days before setting your eggs that way you can get a feel for how it runs and make any of the necessary adjustments. I would also suggest the Brinsea ova view egg candler it's easy too hold while also holding your egg and the light is very good and makes good seal around the egg. Have fun hatching and good luck.:jumpy
 
Have any of you used a candler and a flashlight. Which was better? I will be looking thru blue shells for the first hatch. Thermometer and Candler ordered. I understand that I should not handle them often. Maybe once a week or so. That will be difficult.
 
I have found candler the best. As too not handling them too much that is right most suggest day7 day14 and then day18 at lockdown. Then do not open the incubator during lockdown unless you have to add water. It is very hard not too look I really have to stop myself!!!!
 
What an exciting time for you! I have two regular thermometers and a hygrometer. I trust the hygrometer the most and it's more accurate I think. You can candle your eggs at day 5 to see if they are growing. It's wonderful at day 5 to see the little chick embryo moving around :) Good luck!
 

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