Homemade Hatcher ??

[FrenchToast]

I am going to be getting my incubator today !!!!
So my dilema is I won't have enough eggs to fill it up so I would like to know if I can add eggs lets say a week apart and still have successful hatch.
I understand that the last few days the eggs are in "lock down" so I would move the eggs ready to hatch to a "hatcher" where I could control the temp and humidity right?
So my questions is: Is a hatcher bascially just another incubator without the turner in it? Any homemade plans for a hatcher?
Sorry if I sound stupid here, I am a newbie and I don't think I maybe explaining myself here.
I think you all know what I mean !!! I hope ! LOL

Thanks in advance

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Yeah, a "hatcher" is really just an incubator. You set up for the hatch by boosting the humidity on Day 18 and then collect your peeps a few days later.

You can use the same incubator to hatch, but I personally don't recommend staggered hatches in the same 'bator.

You can easily build a separate hatcher, or buy another 'bator.

I'm currently running two 'bators, one for hatching. The hatching process is pretty messy and the slimy peeps are going to be hopping all over everything, pooping and leaving broken bits of eggshell all over. It can get really foul and stinky in there and I find that I always need to clean and sanitize the 'bator after a hatch.

 

[rancher hicks]

Just what exactly is a "hatcher" and when do you use it? This last hatch was a mess and I did a couple of "staggered" eggs and I don't recommend it. I honestly think I lost a few just for that reason. The incu was smelly and yuk.
I've cleaned it up and started another 9 eggs and if this hatch is not good, I quit! I might buy another incu a brinsea, but if I don't I'm not hatching anymore. I'll try to get my broodies to do it. Besides it easier to handle a few chicks than 20.

 

[speckledhen]

A hatcher is just a second bator set up to receive eggs at Day 18, with higher humidity and no turner. My sig line has a BYC link to one I made with a 48 qt cooler as well as a dorm fridge. You remove the ones who are on Day 18 and place them in the hatcher, and leave the rest turning till their Day 18.