EDUCATIONAL INCUBATION & HATCHING CHAT THREAD, w/ Sally Sunshine Shipped Eggs

[kwhites634]

Will I still need stones or heat sinks added to my incubator even though it has an outer shell? Oh and can I add water through the vent holes instead of opening up the bator every time? I think that is one of the reasons my friend has such a low hatch rate. Although she has been incubating this year she said half of her eggs die before the end of the 2nd week and was amazed that almost all 19 of mine were still going at end of week 2. She had to pull 1 shortly after then on lockdown she recandled and had to pull 5 more. So we ended up with 13 good ones at lock down, only a couple were questionable. but out of those only 7 actually successfully hatched. But I noticed she would open the incubator to add water. She has the previous model to mine, although I got the newer one it was cheaper than the previous model.

I think because of this first experience of incubating with my friend, I am nervous because this is for my families food. We intend on eating most of what is hatched, unless they are bred for laying.

By all means, use those vent holes. I forced a piece of plastic drinking straw onto the tip of a small funnel, and fill through that. Straw's cut to extend close to the wire "floor" so as not to splash water onto the eggs. Works like a champ.

 

[kwhites634]

Question, in reading about turning the eggs, if the automatic egg turner that came with my bator says it turns the eggs 6 times a day, and it is automatic, it is essentially turning the eggs in the same direction right? Also, when I set the eggs, do i place it with the "X" side up, slightly angled but with the large side at the top? Will the egg turner turn them to where I will see the "O"?

"Mark eggs, using a pencil, with an X on one side and an O on the other. Make sure to turn the eggs at least 3 times a day, or odd number of times. Turning by hand they should always be turned an odd amount of times and move them to a different part of the tray to protect them from temperature variation. You basically roll the eggs with your fingers/palm from X to O. It is important to NOT ROLL the eggs in the same direction every time. Improper rolling can cause the chalazae that holds the yolk in place to tear. Turning the egg prevents the embryo from touching and attaching to the membrane inside the egg. The most convenient way to turn eggs is to purchase an egg turner. Take extra precautions when turning eggs during the first week of incubation. The developing embryos have delicate blood vessels that rupture easily when severely jarred or shaken, thus killing the embryo. "
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The turner isn't going to "spin" the eggs; rather, it tilts them. Eggs set in the cups, large end UP.
I don't know where your "X" and "O" are, but if they're on both ends, no; you'll only see whichever one is on the "fat" end.

 

[Chaos18]

If I put the heat sinks in during the entire incubation, does it increase temperature or keep it more steady? Do they help with keeping water and humidity in there so I am not having to add water much? Oh dear. Im a mess, a hot mess! I guess I am looking for encouragement, and reassurance that I will be a good incubator momma, LOL

Heat sinks will help to keep your temp steady. They will hold heat when you open the lid of the bator causing a less drastic temp swing and helping it to get back to operating temp faster.

 

[Chaos18]

Morning peoples.......and non peoples.

 

[BullChick]

GOOD MORNING, COFFEE CLUBBERS (AGAIN, CLUB THE BABY SEALS OUT BACK. NOT THE POOR COFFEE!!) IT'S FRIDAY!!!!
GOOD MORNING, @JenniferDuBay

 

[Chaos18]

 

[lovechicks1293]

thanks MC

 

[lovechicks1293]

sorry i have not been on at ALL lately! i have been constructing my very own website/blog....

 

[lovechicks1293]

 

[lovechicks1293]

how has everyone been doin'?