Getting the flock out of here - a diary of a crazy chicken man

[ozexpat]

i have only calibrated meat thermometers ,the kind used in food service
you use a cup of ice water & ajust it to 32f

you could do that with this - just put it in a zip lock bag or 2.

 

[ozexpat]

Oz here are the pics of the Bantam Cochins...they love the little Teenagers...the Roo is not mean and this is where all my teenagers have been moved to from the big wood brooder once they feather out! They seem happy and growing out nicely...I like that the banty's are so good with them. When I moved the other set out into the big pen the Banty's seemed so upset until I moved in the next batch of youngters! So this is why I suggested some eggs for you to hatch.
Banty Cochin hen staring me down..."don't take my babies!" lol
Banty cochin roo...guarding his kids..lol

sold!!

 

[ozexpat]

Things have gone from bad to worse in this hatch.

The only thing to come out of it is lessons.

1. tighter control on temps - install a STC-1000 digital thermostat instead of the wafer style mechanical
2. humidity abatement is essential - I have a mini humidifier and a humidistat dehumidifier controller to reduce the humidity in the incubator to 30% during the hatch. eggtopsies show big wet chicks
3. power control - install a UPS with a marine battery to beat power outages. investigate generators.
4. ant control/bator ant proofing - we lost all the pipped/zipping eggs overnight from an ant invasion. it was pure carnage.

Time to brush off the disappointment/guilt and get moving.

My thanks and apologies to those who gave so much to this attempt. I am sure I can get past this and continue the fight.

 

[ozexpat]

Oz ,'did you ever get around to posting your bator build drawings with B.O.M or is it still a work in progress waiting to be finalized ?

B.O.M ? forgive me I dont know what you mean

 

[Pancholoco]

Things have gone from bad to worse in this hatch.

The only thing to come out of it is lessons.

1. tighter control on temps - install a STC-1000 digital thermostat instead of the wafer style mechanical
2. humidity abatement is essential - I have a mini humidifier and a humidistat dehumidifier controller to reduce the humidity in the incubator to 30% during the hatch. eggtopsies show big wet chicks
3. power control - install a UPS with a marine battery to beat power outages. investigate generators.
4. ant control/bator ant proofing - we lost all the pipped/zipping eggs overnight from an ant invasion. it was pure carnage.

Time to brush off the disappointment/guilt and get moving.

My thanks and apologies to those who gave so much to this attempt. I am sure I can get past this and continue the fight.

I have plans to buy a thermostat Which one you would suggest me?

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Bill of Material..... itemized list of components to build a project.

Can also contain verbal instructions and processes using paint or adhesives...

deb

 

[ozexpat]

Bill of Material..... itemized list of components to build a project.

Can also contain verbal instructions and processes using paint or adhesives...

deb

thanks engineer deb!

I will post it this week.

 

[ozexpat]

I have plans to buy a thermostat Which one you would suggest me?

This is my favorite thermostat

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110V-120V-A...677?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac393e9d5

its in C. It is adjustable by 0.1C

its reliable


I even use one on my styrobator as I hate the original thermostat's unpredictability.

 

[Pancholoco]

But accuracy says +- 1˚C.

 

[perchie.girl]

Things have gone from bad to worse in this hatch.

The only thing to come out of it is lessons.

1. tighter control on temps - install a STC-1000 digital thermostat instead of the wafer style mechanical
2. humidity abatement is essential - I have a mini humidifier and a humidistat dehumidifier controller to reduce the humidity in the incubator to 30% during the hatch. eggtopsies show big wet chicks
3. power control - install a UPS with a marine battery to beat power outages. investigate generators.
4. ant control/bator ant proofing - we lost all the pipped/zipping eggs overnight from an ant invasion. it was pure carnage.

Time to brush off the disappointment/guilt and get moving.

My thanks and apologies to those who gave so much to this attempt. I am sure I can get past this and continue the fight.

Its a good fight OZ.... Hang in there....

With regard to ants..... Check out Tanglefoot ant barrier. Its something they use on fruit trees to keep the ants out. use duct tape to fasten on a sheet of paper to the leggs of what ever is supporting your incubator then spread this stuff on the paper. What this does is allow you to change out the material without mess.

I used another method with my dog dishes because I free feed my dogs. I use a plant hanger and put the bowls in the plant hanger then use a rope to fasten to an eyebolt in the rafters The ants figured it out once when I let a climbing vine attach itself to the rope. Then once when they came across the ceiling. Ant spray on the ceiling and rope took care of it.

What ever you do you will also have to assume they will follow the electrical cord too. Here in San Diego the bug spray guy told me he identified ten different species on my own R1 house lot. I did have him spray ONCE then from there I took a defense stance against them.

I dont know how you feel about spray..... but Malathion is a good perimeter spray for ants. Or if you want to stay away from chemicals Orange OIl based sprays are good too. http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Guard-Water-Based-Control/dp/B00030BBMS

deb