I've got one batch of eggs now that really need to be set either today or tomorrow. The most expensive of the ones I got 16 silver laced wayndottes. I know that I may recieve the other batch which is 6+ bantam brown leghorns (which I've searched for forever). Then maybe by Wed a batch of mixed bantams I got from a swap. Is there anyway I can set the bator then add the eggs as I get them and still have a good hatch on them all with them hatching at different times??? I've heard of people doing that then moving the ones that are due to hatch to another bator but my other one will be in use then too. I really dont want to buy another bator. Expecially since I let one go yesterday at a sale for $30 with the turner included. UGH stupid! but afraid to buy used not knowin if it worked...
It is very iffy to try and hatch several different groups of eggs in the same incubator all with different hatch dates. Humidity needs to be increased during the last three days on some and it would then be way to high for the ones due to hatch later. I know people will tell you they have done it successfully. It is not a good idea. The incubator gets very messy, stinky and overloaded with bacteria during a hatch. If necessary you can make a hatcher very easily with a light blub, a styrofoam ice chect and a dimmer switch. Some have used electric skillets in a pinch. Using the lowest setting possible and placing a bed of sand or shavings in it with a bowl of water and allowing some air via a top vent or leaving a tiny opening on the lid. There are many homemade incubators that have been described on this forum, if you search you can find different one some more involved and more complicated. If you are going to attempt a styrofoam ice chest hatcher, I suggest finding the thickest foam and the most square unit you can. I found one that was nice with a plastic handle, which I removed but it was nice and square that helps in placing the light and I used a wire rack for the eggs and put the water in a shallow bowl below. Too bad about missing out on the $ 30.00 incubator. You can easily spend that much making your own if you do not have any parts to use. Also Check at Wal-Mart. The receive fishing worms in great foam boxes and those make wonderful boxes for incubators.
Quote:Yeh, you will probably be OK to start them. I have never hatch multiples at the same time. I use a homemade incubator. I got the instructions from the internet. It is called "the Miltida" I believe. I would start them and maybe try to get a second bator put together this week that you can move your eggs into near the end and hatch out of a separate one. Good luck.
