Incubating question

[RoosterMania]

I'm using a very old (20+ years) GQF cabinet incubator. My friend just hatched about 70+ quail last week with it. I've had it set up at my house for the last three days and it seems stable at 102 - 103 degrees F, by the old thermometer that comes with it. I understand that the egg temp must be maintained at 99.7 F. I've got a water pan and sponge in it. Is it okay to go ahead with the hatch? I need to set about 20 BO eggs. This is my first time. Thank you.

 

[Ridgerunner]

No, not until you know the temperatures are stabilized at the proper temperature. I suggest you calibrate at least one and better two decent thermometers and verily the correct temperatures before you start. Get a thermometer that is supposed to have an accuracy of 0.1 degrees. Most outside thermometers are accurate to within 1.0 to 2.0 degrees. A huge difference when incubating.

I am not familiar with that incubator model or the thermometer you have with it, but I would not trust that thermometer without calibrating it. It is very possible that the temperatures are OK and the thermometer is off, or the thermostat that controls the temperature could have been damaged or shaken up during the move. I don't know and neither do you.

http://www.allfoodbusiness.com/calibrating_thermometers.php

 

[RoosterMania]

Thank you for the reply. It has two wafer thermostats in it. Could you tell me how to calibrate them also, in case the thermometer is correct.

Thanks again.

Also, it looks like a meat thermometer. How would I adjust it if it is off?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
I am not familiar with that model. I don't know how to adjust that thermostat. You might find something at this site or you could e-mail them. I used their "sales" contact link and found them pretty good at helping out.

http://www.gqfmfg.com/store/help.asp

You don't have to adjust the thermometer if it is off. You correct the reading. Say you find it is reading 2.3 degrees too high. You just subtract 2.3 degrees from any reading you get and you have the right temperature.

 

[Ga.chickenman]

Hey, check out my page and see if your incubator looks like mine if so I can tell you how to adjust !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RoosterMania]

Hey, that's the one!!! Looks just like it.

Thanks.