Incubator info?

[Cavendish Chickens]

Okay, so my homemade incubator didn't work. Or... it did... to a point. Fetuses developed. And I saw them. But apparently, they died before lock down. So how that pip looking spot got there, I don't know. I thought I saw the eggs wiggle during lock down, but it must have been my imagination. So... to the point.... We are going to try again. But this time we will be buying a regular incubator with the automatic turner in it. So, I have questions. (1) Do they come with a thermometer and hygrometer? Or do I have to buy them separate? (2) When do I need to take the chicks out of the incubator and put them in a brooder box? (3) Also, will the incubator come with any instructions? (It's brand new, from the store.) (4) What temp should I incubate at? (5) And what humidity level? (6) And when should I raise the humidity, and to what level then? This will be our first time using a store bought incubator instead of homemade. So, I need all the advice and info that can possibly be given. We will be buying the incubator and new eggs tomorrow. (7) Should I hook the incubator up tomorrow and then put the eggs in on Thursday? Please help me so I can be prepared and do everything right. I don't want anymore babies to die. It really broke my heart. Thanks

 

[kelseygirl707]

Quote:
OK, here we go!

1) Yes they come with a thermometer, but it's are worthless, so I would buy a digital Thermometer/Hygrometer combo.
2) When the Hatch is done, they can live up to 3 days in the incubator.
3) Yes it will come with instructions, although they are usually minimal.
4) Still air 101-102, Forced air (Has Fan) 99.5-100
5) I do 45% for days 1-17 and 65% for days 18-21, but that is just my preference
6) Day 18, then don't open the incubator until the hatch is over.
7)Yes, have the incubator stable for at least 24 hours before adding eggs.

Hope that helps

 

[Cavendish Chickens]

That does help. Thank you. Is there a window so I can see inside as things progress? I like to be able to see everything.

 

[kelseygirl707]

Quote:
Yes they almost all have a window. Do you know what kind you are getting? Most feed stores carry the Little Giant Incubators, they can be touchy if the temp of the room you have it in fluctuates, so keep an eye on it. And know that when you put the eggs in the temp will drop and slowly rise, so give it time to rise. Once you have a stable temp, you don't want to mess with the temp dial unless you absolutely have to.

 

[kelseygirl707]

Oh and you probably already know this, but on day 18 you take the turner out and lay the eggs on the floor, or set them pointy side down in a trimmed egg carton to hatch.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Yes they almost all have a window. Do you know what kind you are getting? Most feed stores carry the Little Giant Incubators, they can be touchy if the temp of the room you have it in fluctuates, so keep an eye on it. And know that when you put the eggs in the temp will drop and slowly rise, so give it time to rise. Once you have a stable temp, you don't want to mess with the temp dial unless you absolutely have to.

Kelsey I am gonna smack you

Cavendish DO NOT buy a little giant. I did a survey before I bought mine and hands down the Hovabator and the Brinsea models were the favs that had the best results. Oh and the R-Suro though that is more expensive than the other two.

 

[nittanyxi]

If your going to go with a Hovabator incubator Get the Genesis Hovabator model 1588. Don't get model 1602N. that's what I have and I would never recomend it. I have no experience with the Genesis but people have said they are good. There are other types out there as well. I just know the model 1602N Hovabator has been a nightmare for me.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I found this info to be true when I was asking about bators.

 

[kelseygirl707]

Quote:
Yes they almost all have a window. Do you know what kind you are getting? Most feed stores carry the Little Giant Incubators, they can be touchy if the temp of the room you have it in fluctuates, so keep an eye on it. And know that when you put the eggs in the temp will drop and slowly rise, so give it time to rise. Once you have a stable temp, you don't want to mess with the temp dial unless you absolutely have to.

Kelsey I am gonna smack you

Cavendish DO NOT buy a little giant. I did a survey before I bought mine and hands down the Hovabator and the Brinsea models were the favs that had the best results. Oh and the R-Suro though that is more expensive than the other two.

Well yah I hate the Little Giant too, but Cavendish said they wanted to set eggs on Thursday, how are they going to get a Hovabator or a Brinsea by then? I would never recommend a LG, but if that is what they are getting they might as well know about what they are getting into.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Kelsey I am gonna smack you

Cavendish DO NOT buy a little giant. I did a survey before I bought mine and hands down the Hovabator and the Brinsea models were the favs that had the best results. Oh and the R-Suro though that is more expensive than the other two.

Well yah I hate the Little Giant too, but Cavendish said they wanted to set eggs on Thursday, how are they going to get a Hovabator or a Brinsea by then? I would never recommend a LG, but if that is what they are getting they might as well know about what they are getting into.

HAHAHA!!! Ok, at least my point has been validated. Cavendish you could search Craigs list for a better bator in your area. BetterBator - sounds like a good brand name. Hmmm.