2015 HALLOWEEN Hatch-a-Long, Join us IF YOU DARE!

[AllAboutMyGirls]

Ok, think I got the temp figured out, have a new thermometer coming tomorrow to be sure. Now to figure out how to set humidity, on this incubator. Am I obsessing too much, I bought a hovabator Genesis 1588, all videos I have watched trust the preset, could my thermometer/ hydrometer just be off?

I have a Genesis too. My hydrometer went crazy so I bought 2 more and now they all say something different. The Genesis says humidity is at 48 and my hydrometers say 52 and 54. Sooo frustrating.

 

[ronott1]

I have a Genesis too. My hydrometer went crazy so I bought 2 more and now they all say something different. The Genesis says humidity is at 48 and my hydrometers say 52 and 54. Sooo frustrating.

Don't sweat it!

Those readings are all close enough for good hatches. It is more important to watch air cell growth and adjust humidity based on that.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Ok, think I got the temp figured out, have a new thermometer coming tomorrow to be sure. Now to figure out how to set humidity, on this incubator. Am I obsessing too much, I bought a hovabator Genesis 1588, all videos I have watched trust the preset, could my thermometer/ hydrometer just be off?

I have a Genesis too. My hydrometer went crazy so I bought 2 more and now they all say something different. The Genesis says humidity is at 48 and my hydrometers say 52 and 54. Sooo frustrating.

Don't sweat it!

Those readings are all close enough for good hatches. It is more important to watch air cell growth and adjust humidity based on that.

TOTALLY AGREE these numbers are close enough, UNLIKE TEMPS which NEED to be SPOT ON! You have a small window with temps depending on models!

 

[kguinness76]

Thanks, that makes me feel better.

 

[Pyxis]

SO jelly of whomever got the Ayam Cemani chicks (I just caught up and can't remember) because I've been eyeing them but they're too expensive for us. I have a mighty need to feed my inner goth child with an all-black bird or two. XD

They ended up not getting them. The person pmed me with pics of the parents and it was clear that they weren't really purebred ayam cemanis, so they passed on them. The price was too good to be true, because unfortunately it was

If you want a nice all black bird that doesn't cost an arm and a leg I'd recommend silkies or sumatras. Not as black as ACs but still nice and dark. And appropriate for a Halloween hatch! If my darn ayam cemanis get done with their molts and start laying before the 10th that's what I'm setting!

 

[tao chick]

Noted!
The eggs should arrive tomorrow. I will check air cells and let you know how they look. I have some old computer fans around here somewhere. I will search for a fixable one and request your assistance from there.
I have done two hatches. The first I had an average temp of 100F and hatched 25 healthy chicks out of 45 eggs (4 were infertile, 2 chick deaths right after hatch) set. The second I had an average temp of 102F and hatched 5 healthy chicks out of 10 eggs (1 infertile, 1 early chick death) set. My plan is to aim for 101F unless I get the fan working, them 100F. I have a thermometer hygrometer combo thing. It is accurate based on my home thermostat which measures humidity too. Should I calibrate it anyway?

 

[TJChickens]

I have eggs on the way, can't wait to have the piter pater of little chicken feet again. Thanks TJChicken.

You are so welcome! Can't wait to hear how they do!!

Her eggs are great! I got porcelain d'uccles from her and the babies are gorgeous. I'm gonna enter the egg contest so I can have a chance at winning some more.

Thank you! Good luck on the contest! Looking forward to your entry.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Noted!
The eggs should arrive tomorrow. I will check air cells and let you know how they look. I have some old computer fans around here somewhere. I will search for a fixable one and request your assistance from there.
I have done two hatches. The first I had an average temp of 100F and hatched 25 healthy chicks out of 45 eggs (4 were infertile, 2 chick deaths right after hatch) set. The second I had an average temp of 102F and hatched 5 healthy chicks out of 10 eggs (1 infertile, 1 early chick death) set. My plan is to aim for 101F unless I get the fan working, them 100F. I have a thermometer hygrometer combo thing. It is accurate based on my home thermostat which measures humidity too. Should I calibrate it anyway?

where exactly are you taking temps in the still air?

 

[tao chick]

where exactly are you taking temps in the still air?  

I have it in the center where I can see it through the window. It monitors the range so I know whether there's a drop or spike in humidity or temp. Last hatch I moved it around when I turned the eggs, but always viewable through the window.

 

[hippiestink]

Thanks for the tip @Pyxis ! I'll be sure to take a gander and see what's available in my area. Coulda sworn I saw an all-black bird from our usual seller but I haven't the faintest idea if he has those anymore.

Totally not bird-related, but I made a new soap that'll be ready for sale just in time for Halloween! What Pumpkin has real pumpkin puree and is scented with a pumpkin spice oil! I went Pollock-y on the top and got this really neat splatter effect.



I also tried a swirl pattern that'll show in the sliced soap. I hope it turns out!