Got my Brower top hatch today, now what ?

[NancyP]

Any insider help on putting it together, tips,tricks, etc.

Thanks.

 

[allaboutdemchicks]

Nancy, I have one running right now. Nice units. Don't forget to place the bars inside the turner knob. (I have no idea the correct termonology of this "stuff")

Do yourself a favor and order another set of those itsy-bitsy still balls, the ones smaller than b-bs. Get a magnet to work with those little things. And NEVER, EVER turn the unit upside down or they go everywhere. (I said I wouldn't either, but I did!) That was the best advice I recieved..... from Jimnjay. Oh, and I taped the extras to the top of the base.

Buy extra bulbs for the event the bulb blows during an incubation.

And go ahead a wrap it unit with something to hold heat. I use quilting batting because one of these days when I stop playing on BYC long enough I'm going to make my little blanket to keep it wrapped in. Others just use bubble wrap.

Clean up is the BEST! Throw everything but the base in the dishwasher after hosing it out really good with a blast of water.

If you have problems, I'll try to help with the assembly. But, I'm one of those that the husband runs and snatches it away before I get mad and break something. Not meaning to.... just trying to make things fit that won't.

 

[NancyP]

Thanks,
Well I got it put together and it's up and running. I am surprised it is really quiet just a low hum. Everything I read people complained about the noise. It was up to temp in about an hour.

 

[NancyP]

I need to add a hygrometer and am wondering how to place it in the bator.

 

[Mahonri]

And you'll need fertile eggs!!!

 

[NancyP]

yeah that's next on my to do list

 

[bigjohn]

I hatched two batches of chicks last year with one and it did a really good job. Just make sure you check the temp at egg level. I used the included thermometer that came with the unit and it worked well. If you fill the well all around the outside with water for the hatching period, then add more water to the rest of the bottom area during the last three days of hatching, you should do really well. Also, make sure to open an extra vent during hatching to allow for plenty of fresh air. Cleanup after the hatch is about as easy as it gets. Dishwasher!

Oh, and I bought Sylvania bulbs since they seem to last and do a better job at heating than the one that comes with the unit. They hold the temp better IMO.

Good luck.