First Ever Incubator- HELP ME!

[petunias212]

that is the truth - no sleep.

My first hatch a few days ago - I was up like a nervous nelly at all hours making sure I'd be awake and aware of a temp spike - it was totally exhausting!!!!

I started my second hatch today. I know no shame.

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[artathart]

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I had the same problem. My LG incubator came with one and my egg turner came with one as well. Almost wish it handt. I am a over achiever as well. I went straight to TSC and bought one with a hydrometer on it but it gets to hot in the incubator. I also bought a digiatl one with a sensor. I put the sensor in the incubator and I am having touble with this one as well. For 3 days I had it at a constant 99-100 and now for some reason the digital one wont go above 96 degrees. So lets just hope the LG one is correct. I may get another one tomorrow. I just fear I am going to screw this up.

 

[artathart]

Where do I put the digital thremometer in the incubator? Can I lay it on eggs or should I lay it next to eggs? Its about a inch thick. not sure if it will effect the egg turner.

 

[kingsfarm]

You sound like me 3 days ago...set 42 eggs, first time at this... my day one was just awful , thought I would fry the eggs!!! well all did settle down...99.5 temp and is holding humidity at 38 on day 4.....read somewhere not to let humidity go in 20's ..I use the thermometer that came with the LG egg turner..have fan also....bought acurite thermometer with humidity meter on bottom at Walmart..this thermometer reads 100 - 38 humidity...not much diff. so I just will let all alone...read somewhere that day 1-18 humidity can be 30-50 lockdown 50-70. I have NO plugs in bator and won't until lockdown if needed...added water Day 4 (used a syringe) warm water..will not add again unless needed... am making the decision to go with the temps & humidity above and pray all will turn out well.......am no longer nervous about this, looking forward to many beautiful Buff Orp. & RIR chicks...will follow your progress if you don't mind... Oh, I leave BOTH thermometers in on top of eggs...working great.

 

[artathart]

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I bought one with a humidity thermometer on the bottom. A few hours after I placed it inside, it started to melt. I had to remove it. I still have my LG thermometer inside and the digital sensor. Its holding at 99 and LG appears to be at 101 which is where I want it for the still air. There are so many different suggestions about the red plugs and water so I am just going to leave one plug in.

Heres my Digital sensor

And here is where my LG is holding at....To high you think???

 

[artathart]

Well I was right. I was not able to sleep. The temp in my incubator has been all over the place. As soon as I think I have it stabalized for an hour or so, It jumps to 102-104. Only for about 20 mins or so because I check it so often. I hope thats not long enough to cook my hatch is it? Then when I lower it, It ends up being to low down to 98. Then its back up to being too high again. Its been a battle all night long. Its now 6:05am in the morning and I am worried that I have lost $50 in eggs.

Is it okay that temps reach 102 and 104 for about 20-30 mins on day one?

 

[kingsfarm]

I am so sorry you are having so much trouble...bought my acurite thermometer at Walmart for under $3 I think, is NOT melting, the temp reads 100 on this therm......my therm. that came with incubator/egg turner stays level at 99.5....even added water last night...same temps today...will not add more water unless this fluctuates...many people don't add water(but a little to start) and have healthy hatches...My first time doing this - I will take their counsel...Once you finally get it stable if it were me I wouldn' fool with it (the settings I mean) hope this helps... both thermometers sit on top of eggs and slide as they turn...NO PLUGS IN (unless temps start changing)

 

[kingsfarm]

Sorry art that was supposed to read " mess " with it (the settings I mean) How are you doing today?

 

[ChooksChick]

Go to the cheat sheet in my signature. Read it all.

Let me know if you have questions after- the best thing to do is leave it alone for 24 hours and see where it ends up. You can check on it, but don't touch the thermostat unless it gets over 104 for more than an hour.

 

[artathart]

Finally got to seel at 7:30 this morning one my temps were stable for over an hour. Woke up to baking eggs at 102 for lord knows how long. I just hope and pray its off by 1 degree.