Incubator questions

[esoares495]

Hey everyone I am new to hatching eggs I have 4 hens know and I would like to get some hatching eggs. I am making my own incubator and just have a few questions

1 do u need vent holes in the incubator ?

2 do egg turners have to turn the eggs all the way around?

Her are some pic of my incubator project leave any suggestions below thanks

I am using two computer fans a hot water tank thermo and two 75 watt bulbs I haven't been able to test it yet please let me know what everyone thinks

 

[spc13b]

Yes you have to have vent holes in your incubator for fresh air

No the egg turners do not turn the eggs all the way around. They just tilt the eggs at timed intervals throughout the day.

 

[esoares495]

Thank you know when placing the eggs in the incubator does it matter how u put the eggs in with on the side or like in an egg carton upright

 

[spc13b]

I always place the small end of the egg down in the turner. So they will be upright like a egg carton with the small end down.

 

[esoares495]

Thanks

 

[spc13b]

Not a problem. Any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[esoares495]

Ok know that I have tested the incubator I had to move the thermo stat on the back of the fridge with the fans blowing on it to keep my temp closer in range her are some pics

Question
In my test the temps were 97-100 degrees is that to low or ok ? I know ideal temp is 100

 

[spc13b]

I would try to get it to cycle as close as you can to 99.5-100. If 97-100 is all you can get it will probably be ok. I had a similiar problem with mine the other day. I didnt have my fans installed and I was trying to get my thermostat adjusted. I was having like 9-12 degree swing. I installed my fans yesterday and I am running 98-100. I have my thermostat installed 1.5 inched from the bulb.

Check out my post below.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/753687/my-first-mini-fridge-incubator#post_10687564

 

[esoares495]

 

[esoares495]

Hey I moved my thermometer to the second shelf of my incubator and everything seems really good I got temps at 99-100 so I got a cheap dozen of hatching eggs for $10 let's see what happens I will let you know here are some pics