This is only the 2nd time I've used an electric incubator to hatch chicken eggs, I'd appreciate your advice & support.
I've borrowed a Hovabator 1602N from a friend who included a digital thermometer and a humidity gauge. It also has an egg turner. There is a little fan under the lid but it isn't turning on.
I've placed it on my bedroom dresser, a room that doesn't go through temp extremes during the day. Our house stays air-conditioned all day set at 78 degrees. This room doesn't get direct sun during the afternoon.
The incubator has been wiped down, the outer 2 troughs have been filled with water, and the turner & the heating coil were plugged in about an hour ago. The temp reads 113 and the humidity 47. I loosened the wing nut & turned the thermostat down a quarter turn.
Sixteen bantam eggs are due to arrive in the mail tomorrow at noon. If the 'bator is holding a good steady temp of 100 I will put the eggs in that night.
What is the ideal range for the humidity for these first 18 days?
Is there anything else I should do before setting the eggs?
When I place the 16 eggs in the turner cups, should I space them evenly along the rows or bunch them together in the middle?
I've had dozens of hens hatch many more clutches of chickens, ducks, turkeys, & geese for me. You've got to admire their wordless genius for doing the job so effortlessly yet with such humility. Sure wish I had a bird to hatch these eggs!
I thank you all for your advice & support.
I've borrowed a Hovabator 1602N from a friend who included a digital thermometer and a humidity gauge. It also has an egg turner. There is a little fan under the lid but it isn't turning on.
I've placed it on my bedroom dresser, a room that doesn't go through temp extremes during the day. Our house stays air-conditioned all day set at 78 degrees. This room doesn't get direct sun during the afternoon.
The incubator has been wiped down, the outer 2 troughs have been filled with water, and the turner & the heating coil were plugged in about an hour ago. The temp reads 113 and the humidity 47. I loosened the wing nut & turned the thermostat down a quarter turn.
Sixteen bantam eggs are due to arrive in the mail tomorrow at noon. If the 'bator is holding a good steady temp of 100 I will put the eggs in that night.
What is the ideal range for the humidity for these first 18 days?
Is there anything else I should do before setting the eggs?
When I place the 16 eggs in the turner cups, should I space them evenly along the rows or bunch them together in the middle?
I've had dozens of hens hatch many more clutches of chickens, ducks, turkeys, & geese for me. You've got to admire their wordless genius for doing the job so effortlessly yet with such humility. Sure wish I had a bird to hatch these eggs!
I thank you all for your advice & support.