I have a Hovabator 1588 and have encountered issues during lockdown. I FINALLY figured out part of the problem. On day 18 I was taking the eggs out of the auto-turner and laying them either on their sides on the mesh grill or upright in paper cartons on the grill. However, my chicks were not hatching on time (among other problems). Well the temperature is noticeably LOWER in those positions! The lower temperatures for the last three days were causing all sorts of issues. The auto-turner is just high enough when sitting in there that it raises the eggs closer to the fan and heating element and keeps them at the correct temperature. Has anyone else encountered this problem? We aren't supposed to have to alter the thermostat on the 1588 just for the last three days. I am now turning the auto-turner off but leaving the eggs in it to hatch so that they are at the exact same height and temperature. I'm concerned about the chicks getting injured by or stuck in the auto-turner even though it is not moving, but not sure what else to do for the time being. I'd love to hear other folks' opinions and experiences!
the OP says that they take out the turner at lock down... you can raise the floor up if you need to... i'd get some PVC pipes and see if that will make it stable enough for you...
If your incubator has a fan the temp should be close to the same no matter where you check the temp at in the incubator thats the reason you circulate the air. If it was a still air incubator i could see this being a problem but you get around it by checking temp at the top of the eggs and adjust temp accordingly no matter what level the eggs are at. If you are getting a lower temp when setting the eggs on their side just raise the temp a little to compensate. I would also be worried about chicks getting hurt if you left the turner in their legs could fall through the space's and holes in between the cradles. I think they need something they can get traction on if they do not have good footing it can cause spraddle leg.
You could try putting them in egg cartons. It fits 2 24 packs plus another dozen + when you do it that way and there is still room for the chicks to get out and move arround. They seem to like sitting in the cartons, they will snuggle down into one of the empty egg cups and take a nap.
My incubator is NOT the same temperature at the current grill level as it is at the level an egg sits in the turner. If is should be then something is not right with my incubator. Hmmmm Maybe I need a new fan? It seems to be running ok, but... There is a noticeable decline in temperature the lower you go in my incubator. It may only be a few degrees, but it's enough to mess things up. I think I will try the suggestion of raising the grill.
