I just bought a new incubator

[Mac in Wisco]

Yes, the wafer expands or contracts with temperature changes to switch the microswitch on and off. Before you put eggs in it again, get it setup so that it regulates the correct temperature. Make small adjustments and then let it set a few hours before checking the temperature and making additional adjustments. Once it's been operating at the correct temperature for a few days and you feel comfortable with what it's doing, you can put your eggs in. When you set the eggs the temperature in the incubator will drop, but don't adjust anything! The eggs are cool and will take several hours to warm up. The incubator will slowly come back to your set temperture as the eggs warm up.

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Don't feel bad, Jayare. I got my Hova '2nd- hand- but- never- been- used' because the person that bought it had done the exact same thing --- said it was 'broke' because she couldn't get the temp below 115 or so (Hubby thought it was funny til I popped him on the noggin).
Now that you have it working properly... Good Luck!

Lisa

 

[Jayare's Chicks]

Thanks for the assistance everyone.
I just went back out and the temp was at 95 so I made a little adjustment and will give it a while to settle out and check/adjust as necessary.

Arklady- I want to start with Buff Orphs, Australorps, Americaunas. Then get some Shaver Reds, RIR, SLW and maybe some Dominique' or Barred Plymouth Rocks eventually before trying some of the other chickens that are out there.

I want to have about 12 - 16 chickens.

Jayare

 

[Jayare's Chicks]

Well the temp was just at 98 so I made another small adjustment, will check again in the morning. I'll start looking on ebay for some more eggs to buy and get ready to start over again. (after making sure the temp is holding at 100 first)

Jayare

 

[EweSheep]

I had my Hovabator for three years and LOVED IT! This one has electronic thermostat and turner. Throw out the therometer that came with the incubator....buy yourself one of those good therometer that has the digital reading of temps and humidity...you will be thankful for that! I bought one from the PetSmart in the repile section and works excellent for me.

Now my incubator is getting worn out from using it so much and needing a new syrofoam body, I got my money worth oout of it.

Good luck!

 

[Jayare's Chicks]

Well the bator has been holding steady at 100 now for 2 days but when I candled them again just a few minutes ago I still didn't see anything. It just looks like clear eggs to me. The eggs have been in there for 8 days and if there was any that were still good I would have seen something right???

I guess those high temps did them in and now I will have to start over. This is a real bummer, I was hoping for some little chickies on my first try but I guess I will have to try and make it work on my second try. I will also order some little chicks in mid October from Ideal when they will be in stock. This way I should have 2 sets of little chicks about the same age at the same time.

I hope it works out next time.
I'm going to get one of those digital thermometers tomorrow or Monday.

Jayare

 

[Davaroo]

Try this:

Next time, test your incubator with 20 oz. soda bottles filled with water. Use one for each dozen eggs you plan to incubate. They will put a load on the system as if you had set eggs and if there is problem you will now it without risking good eggs.

 

[Jayare's Chicks]

Elderoo,
What would I be looking for if I put a bottle of water in there? Just checking if it maintains 100? I will put a bottle of water in there tomorrow and see what that does.

I got a Zilla thermometer-hygrometer with 2 probes today at the store and got it in there now.

I just won some SLW on ebay tonight.

Jayare

 

[Davaroo]

What would I be looking for if I put a bottle of water in there? Just checking if it maintains 100? I will put a bottle of water in there tomorrow and see what that does.

First you should see temps DROP as the colder water goes in. Then you should see the temps inch back up to 100 until they hold stable. This will take hours.

You are expecting to go from room temp (72) to 100 degrees with a mass of water that has a lot of thermal inertia or buffering effect.
The temperature rise wont be linear, either, so it wont appear to do anything at first then it will take off and should slowly rise to setpoint.

Secondly, the air temp in the chamber will reach setpoint BEFORE the water does. Eggs are heated via convection, which is an indirect application of energy. They are mostly water so this experiment simulates the effects they see.

But youre testing your controls for disastrous overshoots, runaways and wide sings around setpoint. If these dont happen, then you will have done about all you can.

I do these things before I set eggs. Im glad you plan to.​