How long can I leave an incubator unsupervised?

[June2012]

It sounds like a stupid question, and it probably is, but I'm pretty desperate!

I ordered hatching quail eggs but due to some general issues, the eggs are coming later than I expected. Twelve days after the eggs arrive, I have to go somewhere for three days. I can't change this trip at all. :/

How will the eggs hold up in an incubator without supervision for three days? Should I just cancel the eggs?

Thank you in advance!!

EDIT: I'll be using the HovaBator 1602N with the automatic egg turner + fan that I'm going to install myself. The quail eggs are Coturnix.

 

[duluthralphie]

I don’t look at mine for a week or more..


Which incubator do you use, that can make a difference.

 

[Birdinhand]

if the thermostat is stable and it has an auto turner and you can hedge the humidity needs, it doesn't seem like it should be a problem.

 

[duluthralphie]

if the thermostat is stable and it has an auto turner and you can hedge the humidity needs, it doesn't seem like it should be a problem.

So true.. 3 days with low humidity would make little if any diff!!good answer..

 

[June2012]

I don’t look at mine for a week or more..


Which incubator do you use, that can make a difference.

A week?! Wow! I thought people checked incubators daily. This my first time, so...

I'm going to use the Hova Bator 1602N with the auto turner. I'll be DIYing the fan. Should that suffice?

if the thermostat is stable and it has an auto turner and you can hedge the humidity needs, it doesn't seem like it should be a problem.

How do you suggest I take care of the humidity while I'm gone for three days?

 

[Birdinhand]

"How do you suggest I take care of the humidity while I'm gone for three days?

I'd guestimate based on roughly how much water you have been adding up to that point to maintain the appropriate humidity. for just 3 days though, it's not going to make or break anything, IMHO.

 

[June2012]

"How do you suggest I take care of the humidity while I'm gone for three days?

I'd guestimate based on roughly how much water you have been adding up to that point to maintain the appropriate humidity. for just 3 days though, it's not going to make or break anything, IMHO.

Huh, ok! That sounds great! Thank you!!!!

Also, it shouldn't be a problem that by the time I get back it'll be day 15/16 of the incubation, right? Only lockdown would be a concern?

 

[duluthralphie]

Not a concern.. even if you are not there the eggs will hatch. The chicks are fine for 3 days without feed or water..

I have no idea what you can program into your incubator. I have GQF incubators and Hatcher’s.

 

[Mosey2003]

If you broke that 1602n in properly and calibrated it correctly, it ought to stay bang on forever, mine does.

When you say DIY-ing the fan, are you just installing the fan that is sold for that incubator, or are you rigging up another fan? If the second, make sure it's a *circulating* fan, and not something pulled from a computer or the like, those blow too hard.

The humidity should be okay for 3 days, depending on how it's running. You'll know within 12 days whether your home is humid or dry, and can guesstimate how much to leave in there.

 

[WVduckchick]

Whereabouts are you located? If you keep humidity low enough prior to leaving, I'd bump the humidity up for hatching right before you leave. A day or so early for quail lockdown, but better to have it up since there's a chance of pips before you return.
Or maybe wait till the day you leave to make the decision, based on growth.