Incubator questions

[zekii]

Haven't hatched any chickens yet,
I found an old HovaBator 1602N still air incubator, has no turner or fan, I was thinking of retro fitting this incubator with at least a fan, but since this incubator is already at least 12 years old maybe I should just look around for a new model with fan/egg turner, and use the old hovabator just for the last 3 days of the hatch. After doing some reading I'm thinking my hatch rates would probably be better with at least a fan.

What do others here think about still air versus an incubabor with a fan, especially if I'm not using a auto-turner ?

Also what is a good digital hydrometer/thermometer to get ?

 

[rebel yell]

I would definitely put in a fan, dont know what kind of thermostat you are using, if its a wafer I would change it ( the wafer) but as far as a turner goes I dont use one on my Styrofoam baters I hand turn mine in egg cartons, my thermometer is a ex tech & is a very good dig. one, my hydrometer is a Exo Terra about $5-6 at pet smart.

 

[Sportsterjeep]

I agree with Rebel, fan and new thermostat. Hand turning or auto turner is all a personal option. I would forget to hand turn, or not be home to do it because of work or kids, so it's an auto turner for me.

ETA: Test run it without eggs and see if it holds temp and humidity. 12 years old isn't bad as long as it's not busted up and it works.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

http://cmfarm.us/stillair.html

A fan is a big plus!

 

[caveman]

I definately agree with using a fan. It helps mix the air and prevent hot spots in your bator.

As for the Hygrometer/Thermometer, I have used many different models to find the most accurate and user friendly. I recommend using a Zilla model (see link). It is designed to be used in a terrarium for repiles, and is therefore very sensative to temp/humidity changes. It costs a little more than the average model, but I find that it is well worth the extra cost because you can mount the sensors inside the bator and retain the display unit on the outside to check min/max temps and set alarms that remind you when to turn the eggs. I recently used it in my homeade incubator and had a 100% hatch rate. Good luck!!

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=1692

 

[zekii]

Thanks for the replies ...
Yes the old Hovabator has the original wafer thermostat, it is in good shape. I'll do some temp/humidity test with it to see how well it can maintain the temp/humidity I need, but will still probably look for a new better incubator.