incubating with LG...help!

[_Randall_]

I'm hatching quail eggs, and I lift the top off every night to add water to the middle "square ring" well only. Yes, you do interrupt the constant trapped temp and humidity when you open the top up, BUT, it builds right back up to the 99º - 100º range in a matter of 3 minutes max when you put the top back on. I know this for a fact because I've got a very high-tech instrument hooked up to mine that is immediate and reads the temp and humidity digitally as it is happening in tenths of a degree...........no delay whatsoever. I don't think the egg temp is going to drop to amount to anything in that period. I use a dish-washing liquid bottle ready with very warm water, lift the top set it to one side, lift the turner out, set it to the other side, fill the well, put turner back in, put top back on............all in about 1 minute. You're OK

 

[they'reHISchickens]

yes, I have daddy remove the turner and prep the towel/maxipad under the screen while I am in the dark candling. Maxipad... what an idea!
Randall, you are much more coordinated than I am!
Next try I will put wood blocks under the bator: I wondered about the holes on the bottom, but I have such a hard time maintaining humidity anyway. During days 1-18 , I had 2 dishes of water on top of the bator - UNDER the blanket over the box- to help maintain even 30% humidity.
And talk about ignoring things... we took a week's vacation during the incubation.
jfiqocwj;sd... nerves.. they are due tomorrow.

 

[ChickenChik]

So do I need to fill the bottom with water and a maxipad/sponge/cloth or just the cloth? Randall: I am very interested in the dry incubation as it seems to be a lot less stressful. But since this is our first incubating experience the hubby wanted to "go by the book". Our next batch, we will definately be doing the dry method. We are still working on getting our temperature just right and maintain so they we can place the eggs in tomorrow. Any other advice or tips?

 

[zatsdeb]

I put water in the bator and on the maxi pad. check the humidity and if it isn't high enough add more to the maxi pad. it holds a lot of water!

 

[ChickenChik]

Ok thank you. I will have to try that. Did you just place the maxipad on top of the mesh or under it? And is true that day 1 does not start until the day after you place them in the bator?

 

[zatsdeb]

I put the maxi pad off to the side, on top of the mesh.. near the side that I would have to open a crack if I need to add more water. I start counting the day I set the eggs as day 1 and I try to set them first thing in the morning. if you set them in the afternoon or late in the day then I would count the next day as day 1..and day 18 is the last day I turn them.

 

[_Randall_]

Quote:
I totally agree with this. I've said it before, and I'll say it again..........I think soooooo many people "down" the LG's because they are using $6 temp/humidity gauges to tell them how the bator is performing, and how stable it is!!! I have an instrument that costs as much as 3 LGs (with turners and fans) that tells me what the temp and humidity is, and is instantenous in reading..........rises and drops in tenths-of-an-inch as the temp and humidity rises and drops.....Right Now. I'm not bragging or flaunting about this, because I know most people don't have one of these, nor the $$$ to buy one. BUT, I've compared it to the WalMart thermometer/hygrometers........(6 of them in fact)......and they are not accurate nor dependable. And that's why I believe so many people are put out with the stability of the LG's heater and thermostat. There's posts on here almost daily with folks having the same problem. What is the solution for these folks??????? I don't know........I know everyone can't afford a $275 instrument to measure the temp and humidity, but DON'T get outdone with the LG bator's fluctuating temps, while relying on a $6 gauge.

 

[zatsdeb]

I set my incubator in my master bathroom, I found it is the best room in the house free from drafts, and I keep the door shut so the temp. is easier to maintain. keeping away from direct sunlight is better also, and away from any little fingers that might bump, or try to look inside. Some may do things different, I myself have not had any problem with my 5 dollar temp/humidity gage but you can keep a backup temp gage like I do, and I watch for condensation also. There are many different people hatching and lots of info on here, you have to just do what you feel is best but get all the info you can!

 

[_Randall_]

Quote:
Well, I'm actually not incubating "dry". I'm getting a humidity reading of ~50% just by filling the middle "square-O" shaped ring with water. I don't put water in the other 2 "straight" wells. I have my bator setting on a folded bath towel. I have one red plug in (opposite of where the fan is).......and I have a little metal slug that has the other hole (where the other red plug was - above the fan) covered about half way. Temp is staying 99.1º - 100.2º..............And like I mentioned........humidity is staying around 48% - 50%.

 

[ChickenChik]

I have a still air incubator don't I need my bator at about 120 degrees and higher humidity?