Chicks dieing at lockdown!!

[BobMcDuff]

I use an oral thermometer that everyone has in the cabinet to set the temp of incubator. They are accurate. If a digital then check the high and low to average. About 10-15 seconds after heater turns on is the lowest temp on mine. If not many eggs in incubator the range can be 96.5 to 102.5 but that averages 99.5 which is spot on.

For non fan incubators the temp should be 101-102F measured at top of eggs.

How I checked mine with a oral thermometer, I covered a cup with saran wrap (press n seal actualy) poked the thermometer into it and let it sit awhile. Not effected as quickly as the air in the bator rom the heat element cycling. Gave me a consistent 99.7 temp (forced air).

 

[Rescuedogmom]

I put in an order today for two brinsea spot check thermometers. I am also going to order a forced air incubator. I write down hatches but I'm going to begin a better charting system as well and hopefully I can pinpoint exactly what's going on! Thank you all for a of your help!! Hopefully soon I will have good news!

 

[1muttsfan]

 

[Rescuedogmom]

Well, I found one problem! Stupid me...even though I know better I had the thermometer laying on the floor..not at egg level. I had a light bulb moment and when I raised it the temp reading jumped to 105. Poor babies I was cooking them!!! :'-(

 

[magdelaine]

Well, I found one problem! Stupid me...even though I know better I had the thermometer laying on the floor..not at egg level. I had a light bulb moment and when I raised it the temp reading jumped to 105. Poor babies I was cooking them!!! :'-(

Makes sense! Don't feel bad, I traveled 600 miles and paid $100 for eggs and I cooked every single one. Live and learn!

 

[Rescuedogmom]

Well, I swear this is costing me a fortune! I ordered fan kits for my two little giants, then forgot to actually hit checkout! Then while I was waiting on them to get here I decide..wth, might as well get a better incubator. .so I order a hova bator genesis (and finally notice to actually purchase the fan kits in my cart) THEN....I haven't even gotten the new stuff, and I decide I might as well get the cabinet incubator. .why keep wasting time and money on stuff I will hate! Trying to decide if I should keep the $200 hova bator as a hatcher or try and send it back?? I decided to go ahead and put the fan kits in the little giants and sell them with the turners etc...just not sure if I'll be able to get much money back on them! This whole hatching thing is hard! On the plus side my little broody hen hatched 3 peeps the other day...2 seramas and a silkie...and is doing an excellent job with them!