First Day :)

[MagsC]

So far so good. Right now I am between candling and first pips so really nothing much to report. The Dutch banties SHOULD be hatching sometime this week, given a little bit of luck.

 

[mark3208]

I was wondering if anyone knew what the deal is with these"wafer" type themostats they put in these incubators?with the technology we have today looks like there would be something much better. Im using an old thermostat from a waterbed heater ,and you dont have to mess with it ,set it on 100,and forget it.Arethey just cheaper?because they certainly arent easier.

 

[nhnanna]

I don't know about the wafers, I am trying the electric frying pan method on a few eggs and wondered about the waterbed heater. Could you let me know how you have it set up? and have you used it before or is this the first time? thanks

 

[MagsC]

I have no idea.

But now, I too, am curious!

 

[sis]

nhnanna, can you explain the electic fry pan method? thank you
I am on day 7, I have 43 eggs in a LG dry air , hatching for a friend, turbins, Easter Eggers, mixed chickens, brown and blue/green eggs.
My last hatch 27 out of 36 hatched. 18 were Roos !!!
So who knows this time?
I want to candle them, any pointers?
also, what is the advantage to putting them in a egg carton for the last three days to hatch?

 

[nhnanna]

By putting them in the carton for the last three days, it prevents them from rolling around and cracking the other eggs and it makes for easy clean up. I also use that method if there is not a turner. I just prop one side up and the next time prop up the other side. Saves alot of time instead of turning each egg individually. I tried it for my last hatch and I really liked it. Make sure big end is up. I think it is easier for them to pip also.
I read somewhere about the electric fry pan being used. If you have one with a glass top even better. Make sure the vent is open. I put down a hand towel on the bottom and a shot glass full of water for humidity. Mine didn't have a setting for 100, so I just barely turned it on and adjusted it up all day (very little at a time) until I got it close enough. I put an x on one side and an o on the other to make sure I turn them all at the same time. This is my first time trying this method and its only been four days so far but so far it is holding the temps. I also read that a crock pot works well too. If I can find the thread, I will post the link. I thought it would be fun to try. Good luck! and let me know if you try it.
If you are not sure if an egg is good when you candle, I put a star on it with pencil so the next time I candle, I double check it again to see if there are any changes, if not, chuck it.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

The egg carton method is WONDERFUL and I highly recommend it. They seem to hatch cleaner, dryer, and at a higher percentage. Before I tried it, I had eggs that pipped then got turned upside down by other chicks as they hatched and they drowned. That was heartbreaking to see them go that far. I use an egg turner and put them in the cartons, big end up, for the last 3 days. If you don't have a turner, you can just prop them side to side twice a day.

Mags, I am wishing you lots of luck with your hatch!!! I can't wait to see - be sure to post pics!!!

 

[MagsC]

I am hoping!!!! And I WILL take pics, I promise.(Provided all goes as well as it looks like so far.

)

 

[sis]

I would like to try the electric frying pan method, sounds like fun.
I think I understand the egg carton method. I do not have a turner, I will size it up tomorrow morning when I turn the eggs again, to see how many egg cartons will fit in there. paper or strofoam or does it not matter? leave lid open or ?
about the candling, what am I looking for and what do you use , a flashlight? a box with a hole cut in it? thank you

 

[nhnanna]

I use the paper egg cartons, not sure on the styrofoam. Maybe someone else has used them.
I leave my cover on the frypan closed but the vent on the top is opened all the way for air circulation. I only turn those eggs three times a day at different times so as to not let out too much heat.

For candling I put a small lamp inside a bigger box with a 100 watt bulb. I cut a hole in the top of the box about the size of a half a dollar. It has to be real dark in the room to be able to see. I would candle on day 7, 14, & 18 to check for progress. If you see a blood ring, toss it. If they are clear, toss it also. If you are not sure, wait until the next time you candle. Mark it with a question mark so you know that you questioned it on the last time you candled. If no progress toss it. Usually you can see a little dark spot which is the eye first. Also you can see the air sack at the big end. Sometimes you will see movement and it is so eggsiting.......

Good luck and keep us posted.
Don't forget pictures when they hatch.