Hardware Cloth.

[cajun1]

Since I am building an incubator, I am seeing different post"s of DIY incubators. A lot of them have hardware cloth on the bottom of the incubators. What is the purpose of putting it in the incubator ?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I think a lot of people use the hardware cloth/mesh wire as a raised floor so that they can have the space under for their "water wells". Having open containers of water at chick level poses a risk of chicks drowning in the water and this "raised floor" provides a space for the water containers w/o taking space in the hatching area of the bator and posing a drowning risk. It's the most common set up for your manufactured bators (at least the styros) as well.

 

[MeepBeep]

Another reason to use screen or at least something that allows air flow is just for that reason, it allows air to circulate better and around the egg...

Another option to prevent chicks from drowning if you don't have the water under the floor is to simply cover the water container with a screen (plastic canvas works well and is cheap) and/or another option is to pack the water bowel with polyester quilting, aka making a big sponge so there is no 'open water'...

 

[cajun1]

I think a lot of people use the hardware cloth/mesh wire as a raised floor so that they can have the space under for their "water wells". Having open containers of water at chick level poses a risk of chicks drowning in the water and this "raised floor" provides a space for the water containers w/o taking space in the hatching area of the bator and posing a drowning risk. It's the most common set up for your manufactured bators (at least the styros) as well.

Another reason to use screen or at least something that allows air flow is just for that reason, it allows air to circulate better and around the egg...

Another option to prevent chicks from drowning if you don't have the water under the floor is to simply cover the water container with a screen (plastic canvas works well and is cheap) and/or another option is to pack the water bowel with polyester quilting, aka making a big sponge so there is no 'open water'...

I Thank You very much for your answers. I have no problem installing the hardware cloth in my bator, but was just wondering why in case I was asked by someone else. I hate looking dumb. Both answers make perfect sense.

 

[Mr birdman]

Cajun there is no such thing as a dumb question if you did not ask that would be the dumb part. besides keeping newborns safe and air space if you use a water well it aides with evaporation and humity

 

[cajun1]

Cajun there is no such thing as a dumb question if you did not ask that would be the dumb part. besides keeping newborns safe and air space if you use a water well it aides with evaporation and humity

Thank You ... Just trying to learn.