HELP! Incubator troubles

[happy ducks]

My female pekin duck layed 6 eggs, and we bought an incubator yesterday at tractor supply store. Its a still air incubator item#- 9300.
We put the eggs in there and it said the temp was 109degrees!!!!! We added water, but the water leaked through and made a big mess! The eggs have only been in the incubator for about 3 1/2 hours, but I don't want them to be ruined!! The temp. is set to 99.5 but it keeps going to 109-111! I know this is too high, and Ive tried to lower it. Can anyone give me some advice to make the temp lower and add water without it spilling out?

 

[paddock36]

Some incubators come with plastic liners or trays so you can add water without it spilling through the holes in the bottom. I would not put the eggs in until you have the temp set where you want it. It may take a few days to get it right. I would just turn your eggs each day until your temp is right in the incubator and then you can add the eggs. I have a homemade incubator and one of the styrofoam store-bought types. I just cover the bottom with a garbage bag and then no water leaks through.

 

[rainbowhatchery]

always test temps with several thermometers, not just one

 

[WalnutHill]

Where did you set the temperature probe for the incubator? It needs to be set at the height of the top of the eggs.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I have a 9300, and its a bit finicky. I've noticed if you don't keep that probe that's attached to the plastic sheet right under the heat source (on top of the eggs) the temp will soar. I assume its because the thermostat is reading the cooler edges of the 'bator and over working to keep the the right temp. I turned mine on the other night to get it ready, and my temp shot up to 108. I kept lifting the lid and freaking out thinking something was wrong with it. Then I noticed the probe was wedged down on the side of my auto turner. I moved it under the heater, and its held a perfect 101.3 since.

Something else, don't ever trust the temp reading on the incubator. Mine is about 3* off. I have to set my 'bator at 104.5 to get 101.3. And it seems, from reading others posts who have the 9300, that that's a pretty common issue with them. Save yourself a lot of trouble and get a good thermometer, and check it for accuracy.

Good luck.