First try at hatching

[rancher hicks]

I borrowed a Hova Bator 1602N from a friend. It does not have a turner. Has anyone hatched eggs without a turner? Does anyone use a 1602N? Also I've been saving eggs to begin this weekend. Iv'e been keeping them on top of the fridge and while we don't have AC they feel cold to the touch. Should I be concerned?
Any advice before I begin?

 

[kiloecho]

i have! i used it in my classroom - without a turner.

i #'ed the eggs and the did the X/O on opposite sides. i'd turn 3x/day (end-over-end 360 degrees, then 180 degrees to flip opposite mark - but make sure the wide ends is a little more upright and the narrow pointing down more) in the mornings when i arrived at school, at lunch, and before i went home (i went in over the weekends). it worked fine for me. i opened it a lot too to candle the eggs for my students and others who visited. on day 19 we added extra water and i didn't open the hovabator after that - until it was time to take the new chicks out.

my best advice, especially if your house has A/C is that even w/ a thermostat and the styrofoam the incubator is still susceptible to drafts. so i kept a pretty heavy blanket around it on the table but not over the viewing part.
we even had to move the eggs out of school towards the end then back into my classroom due to spring break in april and we still had 8/15 hatch!

 

[kathyinmo]

I just bought one at a garage sale. It appears it has maybe only been used once. I dusted it off, and cleaned it well with bleach and Dawn dishsoap. I have had it on for 24 hours and am maintaining a temp of 100, and humidity of 37%. I did put water in the middle area, as directed.

Here are 2 links of information on the internet that I found helpful:

https://www.gqfmfg.com/pdf/Thermal Hova-Bator instructions.pdf

http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Embryology/Incubators/SquarSty.pdf

Good luck! What are you going to hatch?
Kathy

 

[rancher hicks]

I have 4 Delaware Hens and A rooster. I like delawares and these are older and not used to me. So I thought I'd try hatching a dozen. Even if I don't keep the chicks. I thought I'd get some experience.