27th or 28th May hatch, looking for buddies

[kraftyladies]

I have a question.... since they are on lockdown and if the humidity drops... how bad will it hurt to open up the incubator to put more water in etc? My incubator seems to dry out so fast....

 

[giggleboxfarm]

i was wondering about that too. I'm not liking how this incubator is setup, I don't have a good way to check the water level. I would wager that it would be worse to NOT add the water, you are risking shrink wrapping. Especially if nobody is externally pipping yet, add the water. I did read a post of somebody taking their bator into the bathroom and running the shower till it was nice and warm and humid in there and then opening the bator.


One of my cochin eggs is pipping! We are way excited since this is our first incubation.

 

[youngjedi32002]

Quote:
That is a very good question! I have the same problem! I have a shelf right below the shelf the eggs are on and I figured I would line it with damp sponges for lockdown to boost humidity! I really don't know what else to do! It dries out super fast! We are 5 days away from lockdown and I add water every day to keep it between 40 and 45%!

 

[natchlaly]

Quote:
That is a very good question! I have the same problem! I have a shelf right below the shelf the eggs are on and I figured I would line it with damp sponges for lockdown to boost humidity! I really don't know what else to do! It dries out super fast! We are 5 days away from lockdown and I add water every day to keep it between 40 and 45%!

I have placed a face cloth in my incubator and posted a length of piping through the roof ( you could use one of your vents for this) so it is in contact with the cloth. If the humidity begins to drop I use i syringe to add more water to the cloth. I find they dry less quickly than sponges. When I am not adding water I use a pencil to bung the end of the pipe to stop heat escaping and the temp dropping

 

[kraftyladies]

Quote:
That is a very good question! I have the same problem! I have a shelf right below the shelf the eggs are on and I figured I would line it with damp sponges for lockdown to boost humidity! I really don't know what else to do! It dries out super fast! We are 5 days away from lockdown and I add water every day to keep it between 40 and 45%!

I have placed a face cloth in my incubator and posted a length of piping through the roof ( you could use one of your vents for this) so it is in contact with the cloth. If the humidity begins to drop I use i syringe to add more water to the cloth. I find they dry less quickly than sponges. When I am not adding water I use a pencil to bung the end of the pipe to stop heat escaping and the temp dropping

mine are on day 19....would it be ok if i opened it up quickly and put the washcloth in?

 

[GeoKan]

Woo hoo!

Looks like everyone is in lockdown or about to go into lockdown! I wish you all the best of luck!

I'm really sorry about your mishap Mrs. Brown. Preserver and try again.

I've been away for a bit — trying to get my egg cam up and running. Took a while to get my brain around the networking issues, etc., but I did it!

I would be honored if you all would stop by http://geoseggcam.dyndns.tv and take a peek. I'll be setting my eggs in around noon (CST) for lockdown.

I can now view my eggs from work!

Keep the pics and info coming!

 

[Lightfoote]

I am closely examining the issue of humidity as well...I don't see why I couldn't put my microwave to use (no...not on the eggs!

)

Heat up water in a pyrex or otherwise microwave- safe container, and then add the still-steaming contents to whatever reservoir is employed in our respective incubation systems. If nothing else, then utilize a spray mister bottle to lightly mist-coat the inner walls of the incubator chamber, and if advisable, even the li'l hatch-berries themselves - with a sheen of water at +/-102 degrees. This should counterbalance any (minor and temporary) loss of heat owing to the opening of the incub. chamber.

Sure, it's a balancing act, but isn't this whole process?

My first hatch, and things continue apace - I am starting to get more excited! I did a last candling and "sniff test" run through my remaining 14 Ameraucanas last night late. No stinky eggs here! Here in another 45 min to an hour, I'll give them their last turning, prelockdown.

From then on, it's on them and "nature" (and "nature's G_d", as our Founders once wrote).

Lightfoote

"Thy word, O Lord, is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

 

[GeoKan]

Quote:
Right in step with you Lightfoote. I'm 20 mins. away from final candling and lockdown. You've down an outstanding job on your incubator. I'm sure the results will reflect you efforts and passion.

 

[AlexKilpatrick]

Went into lockdown yesterday, and I have my first pip (and zip) this morning. The little guy seems to be taking a break now. You can see him on the upper left.

Of course, my hygrometer just quit, so now I have to rush and find a replacement.

 

[Lightfoote]

Now in lockdown...all eggs given one last scrutinization...candling, smelling..checking for any premature pip/zip lines...no more turning/handling, the activity is all of their making from here forward...

Tally Ho!

Lightfoote

"Thy word, O Lord, is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Hey - I just posted number #200! Do I win a prize?