How do EXPERIENCED hatchers live thru an incubation?! Temp issues NOW!

[eac04]

I seriously DON'T know how y'all do it. Every day I hope for a non-eventful incubation and every day it seems like I have to face something, decide on something or just plain FREAK OUT.

Today, it's the temps inside. I have two thermometers SIDE BY SIDE with two different readings. Here I'll show you what I mean... (I know the humidity is a bit low in this one. It usually climbs back up to 30-35 after I turn the eggs)

Completely different readings. Which one do I trust?

HELP? TIPS? COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS?

 

[Dar]

Sittin by a bator and sittin beside a broody silkie are one in the same and I have dont the later of the 2 and I whine and gripe on here the whole 21 days

 

[Mrs MIA]

We just realize that fluctuations are part of the game, and a degree here or there really doesn't make a difference in the long run.

I tend to trust the electronic thermometer a bit more than the cheap liquid ones, so if you're using that one, you'll need to turn it down a notch. Is your incubator in a draft-free area, away from direct sunlight, doors, windows, etc? Is it in a stable environment, and still reading 102? Then turn it down a bit and don't worry about it. Seriously.

eta: You do realize that broodies will get off of their nests for long periods of time every day until the last 3 days? I've had eggs drop to 45°F at day 17 and still hatch... when hand turning the eggs you don't have to rush, since it's good for them to get a little fresh air.

I've also had incubators get to 110F and still had chicks hatch. As long as it's not for long periods of time, you should be fine.

 

[eac04]

Mrs. AK-Bird-Brain :

We just realize that fluctuations are part of the game, and a degree here or there really doesn't make a difference in the long run.

I tend to trust the electronic thermometer a bit more than the cheap liquid ones, so if you're using that one, you'll need to turn it down a notch. Is your incubator in a draft-free area, away from direct sunlight, doors, windows, etc? Is it in a stable environment, and still reading 102? Then turn it down a bit and don't worry about it. Seriously.

Thanks Mrs. Ak-Bird-Brain for the pep talk.

I guess I will back away from the incubator and not fret too much about it. This is my first attempt at hatching and I really want my eggs to make it through day 21 so I freak out a little.

I'll turn the incubator down a notch and PRAY

that I get little chickies in the end.

 

[Spore]

Those mercury based thermometers are highly accurate.

 

[Mrs MIA]

You're welcome. I was the same way when I started. I couldn't see through the glass for all the noseprints.

Now, after thousands of chicks, I've actually forgotten to stop turning them and had them hatch in the turner without changing a thing.

I now have a Hovabator, 5 homemade incubators/hatchers, one 1502 Sportsman and a 1202.

It's easy to forget where you're at in the process.

Is that a Hovabator you're working with? Still air or forced air?

 

[Mrs MIA]

Quote:
As long as the paper backing with the temperature marks stays glued on...

 

[Spore]

That is a valid point. In my brinsea eco I have a glass thermometer but the numbers are on the actual glass. I have more trust for this instrument than most electronic's that cost less than 100 bucks. Once you start getting into the higher end expensive lab grade electronc thermometers then it is a different ball game. The 20 dollar special China made hygrometers/thermometers worry me. There business model is not built on reliability or customer satisfaction.

 

[Keri78]

Just wanted to encourage ya by letting you know my first bator experience. Let me preface this by confessing that I'm a BYC junky and a complete DORK on top of that!

Sooo...after hours(and I mean hours) of researching I was ready for this!(Yeah Right!

) Well, my bator held steady at 99 degrees for 48 hours and the moment I placed my precious silky eggs in there BAM!!! It shot to 114 and stayed there for at least three hours! I tried everything and finally it settled back down to 99 and held steady until one week in when I lost power in the whole house!!!

Then it plummited to 70degrees for three hours...well after that I thought if any hatched it would be a true MIRACLE...well...HERE you have it!!!

My "miracle Valentine's Day Hatch!!!" Out ouf 8 eggs I got 4 babies! Only lost one the others were completely clear(maybe not even fertilized??who knows!) But I am thrilled...so HANG in there!!!

 

[tnchickenut]

TRUST THE OLD FASHIONED ONE!!! I had the same digital be 12F HIGH!!!!!

That said... it looks fine. I hatch almost nonstop year round and (assuming this is a still air model) you are a little low, but not enough to do any worrying or adjusting... sometimes it is just the room that is cool.

Don't panic. Breathe. Whatever you do... never play with the thermastat unless you are WAY off. and by that I mean more than three degrees.