Hova Bator 1602N

[JodyJo]

I have this incubator, given to me by a friend...the Hova-Bator 1602N. Does anyone out there have any experience with it?
I will be attempting my first hatch out hopefully this week...starting it at least. If anyone has any tips or advice on this one, I'd appreciate it!!




http://www.poultrysupply.com/manuals/GQF1602N_from_Kemps_Koops.pdf

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I have this incubator, given to me by a friend...the Hova-Bator 1602N. Does anyone out there have any experience with it?
I will be attempting my first hatch out hopefully this week...starting it at least. If anyone has any tips or advice on this one, I'd appreciate it!!




http://www.poultrysupply.com/manuals/GQF1602N_from_Kemps_Koops.pdf

There's quite a few that use the hovabators and that model. Basic styrofoam incubator. Biggest advice no matter what you are using is to have at least 2 checked thermometers and hygrometer and if you are not in a high alititide or a dry climate I would recommend the low humidity incubation. ( http://letsraisechickens.weebly.com...anuals-understanding-and-controlling-humidity ) and check air cells. Many of us have had much better luck with the lower humidity methods especially with the styros. You are doing your own eggs and not shipped?

 

[JodyJo]

I live at almost 8000 ft, high desert, no issues with humidity here!

My own eggs....I have not done this before, so I am reading all I can. Have not candled before either...should be an interesting experiment on my part.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I live at almost 8000 ft, high desert, no issues with humidity here!

My own eggs....I have not done this before, so I am reading all I can. Have not candled before either...should be an interesting experiment on my part.

Have you looked at the candling thread here on BYC? It's my favorite candling resource. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...g-candling-pics-progression-though-incubation

 

[JodyJo]

Have you looked at the candling thread here on BYC? It's my favorite candling resource. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...g-candling-pics-progression-though-incubation

not yet, but plan on reading it all before I get started...I will try to remember to post updates here as I learn. I am not new to chickens, but new to all of this!! Thanks!!

 

[JodyJo]

Have you looked at the candling thread here on BYC? It's my favorite candling resource. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...g-candling-pics-progression-though-incubation

I read through the candling thread....I will be referencing it for certain!

Question....the humidity level, how to I monitor it? Is is only through candling that you can truly tell? I figure I can just use a flashlight, correct, or is that not strong enough?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I read through the candling thread....I will be referencing it for certain!

Question....the humidity level, how to I monitor it? Is is only through candling that you can truly tell? I figure I can just use a flashlight, correct, or is that not strong enough?

I use an LED flashlight and works great. I just cup my hand around the top to direct the light into the egg like this:

When you candle if you candle down into the egg from the air cell end you cand see everything better.
You can either candle and monitor the air cells or weigh and monitor weight loss to know if the humidity needs to be adjusted.