I've read a lot of the posts under incubating....
And, I read the posts regarding shipped eggs - uggh! I'm trying to do everything possible to have, or increase the hatch rate on my precious babies
I even carved out holes in the bottom of the carton/holders for more oxygen
The scenario:
Climate: NW Washington state, about 200ft elevation and 35 miles from the coast.
I built this bator - I couldn't find a cheap cooler (even goodwill), so I bought a storage box at WalMart. (Photos are attached.) It has an egg turner, fan, w/h thermostat and 2 lights. I have 2 analog thermometers and one analog hygrometer. Tomorrow I will buy an acu-rite digital from WalMart.
I've been testing the bator, empty, for a couple of days. It's maintaining a temp of about 97F and 38C - the thermometers read just slightly different. The hygrometer is holding steady at 30% - 33% humidity (dry). I'll add a damp or wet sponge before lockdown....
Lights cycle on & off regularly (2-3 min), not too long or too short. I've taken readings in different areas and the box seems to have a stable climate.
The eggs shipped on Saturday and arrive tomorrow (Tuesday). I'll pop them in the bator as soon as I can - the temps here have been stable for a few days, so they shouldn't need to adjust or settle before I put them in.
I know there are lots of opinions, so lay it on me - is the temp (too lo?) and humidity good for starting a hatch? Is there anything else I can do to help the hatch rate?
My biggest question: tell me about ventilation. How many holes should I have in 56qt box? Where should they be located? It's a small box, so I have 3/16" holes near the base, one on each side and a couple near the top.
I've never set eggs before, so I'm not sure what my habits will be like, most likely a 'hands off,' set and forget approach..... I don't have a scale for weighing eggs.... not sure how much I'll candle.... I just really want some Araucanas!
Thanks in advance!
The scenario:
Climate: NW Washington state, about 200ft elevation and 35 miles from the coast.
I built this bator - I couldn't find a cheap cooler (even goodwill), so I bought a storage box at WalMart. (Photos are attached.) It has an egg turner, fan, w/h thermostat and 2 lights. I have 2 analog thermometers and one analog hygrometer. Tomorrow I will buy an acu-rite digital from WalMart.
I've been testing the bator, empty, for a couple of days. It's maintaining a temp of about 97F and 38C - the thermometers read just slightly different. The hygrometer is holding steady at 30% - 33% humidity (dry). I'll add a damp or wet sponge before lockdown....
Lights cycle on & off regularly (2-3 min), not too long or too short. I've taken readings in different areas and the box seems to have a stable climate.
The eggs shipped on Saturday and arrive tomorrow (Tuesday). I'll pop them in the bator as soon as I can - the temps here have been stable for a few days, so they shouldn't need to adjust or settle before I put them in.
I know there are lots of opinions, so lay it on me - is the temp (too lo?) and humidity good for starting a hatch? Is there anything else I can do to help the hatch rate?
My biggest question: tell me about ventilation. How many holes should I have in 56qt box? Where should they be located? It's a small box, so I have 3/16" holes near the base, one on each side and a couple near the top.
I've never set eggs before, so I'm not sure what my habits will be like, most likely a 'hands off,' set and forget approach..... I don't have a scale for weighing eggs.... not sure how much I'll candle.... I just really want some Araucanas!
Thanks in advance!
Last edited: