ants in my incubator

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

I woke up to five pipping Aracauna eggs and ants in my incubator! I am just sick. I immediately heated up a different incubator and moved them one by one. I sprayed underneath and around the incubator. The chicks are all loud and alive.

I took out each egg and made sure I got rid of all visable ants. I am checking constantly and killing any that I see. I am so worried that they are inside the shell. What can I do, if anything.

I have found these eggs very difficult to hatch. Only five, maybe six, of 42 have made it this far!

 

[nuthatched]

How are they getting in the incubator? Is it a type that the motor and heater is on top that you can set it in a cookie pan of water?

 

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

Two chicks are working their way out of their shells. There have been a few ants that came out. I think I moved them before there as any injuries. I am so excited.

 

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

How are they getting in the incubator? Is it a type that the motor and heater is on top that you can set it in a cookie pan of water?

I don’t really know how they are getting in. That is a great idea. It dos have the motor on top.

Two chicks are working their way out of their shells. I have killed just a couple of more ants. I think they were moved in time to prevent injuries. I have been babying these eggs. I don’t know of anyone else who has Aracaunas. I had one years ago but lost it to a predator. Everything is more secure now.

Thanks for the suggestion…am in search of a big enough pan for water.

 

[SnackMeat]

Ants supposedly don't like copper tape (what's used for stained glass. It's pretty cheap.) a lot of bugs don't.

You could just make a square around the incubator on the tabletop of copper tape stuck to the table.

 

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

Ants supposedly don't like copper tape (what's used for stained glass. It's pretty cheap.) a lot of bugs don't.

You could just make a square around the incubator on the tabletop of copper tape stuck to the table.

Thank you. Ants are gone, four hatched. Fifth died halfway out of the shell. I have not had this happen before.