Chic Chick 'Bator *UPDATED*

[pegasuschick]

I have done a couple of hatches in the prissy bator and had good luck. The water heater thermo does cycle pretty wide but if there isn't much time between highs and lows, the eggs don't cool off that much. I would figure out what the average is between high and low and figure that is probably where the eggs are.
Instead of the wiggler, I use a prescription bottle filled with sand and a little water. Put the probe of the thermometer in it and seal the top with foil. That seems to work better than the wiggler. I had one wiggler spring a leak and one that cooked so I like the pill bottle better.
Gina

 

[MissPrissy]

@ prissy 'bator

 

[Andora]

It's reassuring to hear that people have had successful hatches with the water heater thermometers!!

I might go to a park and steal some sand as soon as it stops raining.

It's supposed to pour rain for the next two days though, so for now I'll keep using the water wiggler.

Which temp is more important to watch? The air thermometer or the probe in the wiggler/sand? If I just watch the wiggler probe temp then it seems great, but the air thermometer has the temps getting way too hot at 108.

 

[MissPrissy]

Air temps change quickly. Water/sand temps do not. The eggs will not loose heat as fast as the air does. The water/sand temps are the more reliable.

 

[Clay in MS]

What's the general rule about the 4 larger ventilation holes that are plugged with corks. Are they used to help regulate humidity in general or should all of them be opened for max ventilation near the end of incubation period. I though I saw this somewhere but could not find it again. Thanks.

 

[MissPrissy]

They are for controling humidity. Tiny holes at the near bottom should and very top should be for ventilation.

 

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
Yes, I have been very successful with the water heater thermostat but, I have 2 thermostats that hold a 2 degree range and a 3rd that ranges 5 degrees and they are all the same type, brand, everything. So I just use the 2 that stay where I want them.

 

[Andora]

Just to update, my bator is doing great now! The eggs are in and should hatch around May 10th. It stays between 99 and 101 for the air temp and between 98 and 100 for the water wiggler. The humidity holds steady in the mid 30's. I ended up using a plastic cooler because I couldn't find a styrofoam one large enough. The huge temp swings I was having were when I tried it with a smaller styrofoam cooler.

Here is a picture:

I candled them, after a little less than 48 hours, and in some of them I can see a shadow of a dark spot forming. I can't find any blood vessels yet, but the egg shells are kind of thick and tan so it's hard to see through them. They are pullet eggs, since my birds are young, so I'm trying hard to remind myself not to be too disappointed if none hatch successfully.

 

[AK Michelle]

AWESOME!

Nice bator!!!

Michelle

 

[vazteam]

I have read the entire Blog/Forum/Thread what ever it is called in the last 24hrs

. You guys are great I bought all my supplies yesturday when I found you guys and built my bator today. I plan to raise button quail. I look forward to posting pics and stats.