Incubator?

[GardenDave]

Ahh I've seen those over here. I use manual incubators myself. I plan to hatch quite a lot of chicks because I want some for the garden and I have two areas on the allotment for chickens. Also I am on the waiting list for a second allotment so I'll be hatching some for there eventually too. I just love chickens lol

 

[kada6305]

okay so basically All I need is a box (can it be a plastic box?) and a bulb...what about when they hatch? Wont they end up on the ground with the bulb? And what about moisture? I know you need to keep moisture with the ones you buy.

 

[GardenDave]

You do need moisture but this can be as simple as a bowl of water at the bottom of the tub. You could put mesh over the water so the chicks don't fall into it and drown, then make sure to add more water when they hatch but put marbles into the water so there isn't enough space for the chicks to drown themselves.

The bulb would be better above the chicks for the only reason that I can think of, being so the chicks don't burn them selves on the bulb. I guess you could have the bulb AND water at the bottom of the tub and have mesh over both of them but it would be difficult to change the bulb should you need to.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I had a wire basket suspended over the light and it's protective metal bowl. I put the thermometer on top of the eggs with a view window so I could read the temp with out opening the box. I currently removed the metal bowl and just have foil down at the bottom. Heat rises that is why I have the basket suspended from the top and don't just lay the eggs on the floor of the box. plus the rising heat is more even, and not harsh. better than having a raw bulb cook your egg.

 

[1TurkenLover]

What's the Difference with Dry hatch or ? never hatched chicken eggs B4

 

[gimmie birdies]

this is my latest- I dry hatch- which works for me because of the size of my box- then at lock down, I stop turning- Then at the outer pip, I add 1/2 wrung out paper towel, that is it they come out looking like this.

just right.

 

[1TurkenLover]

this is my latest- I dry hatch- which works for me because of the size of my box- then at lock down, I stop turning- Then at the outer pip, I add 1/2 wrung out paper towel, that is it they come out looking like this.

just right.

I'd like to give it a Try, as we have most everything, am looking for wire to make egg holder. I'm just Soo wanting to hatch out our own NN

we have 4 eggs now get a 1 or 2 every other day. when to start the Bator ?

 

[gimmie birdies]

The incubator is best with about 6-10 eggs, 6 is best, but I put in more than I need since you never know how many will hatch. I would save in a cool room until you have enough eggs then put them in the bator, just because you can fit more eggs in I would not. one end of the incubator does get warmer than the other. If you want more eggs to hatch make another bator.

 

[gimmie birdies]

where in washington are you? I am in eastern.

 

[1TurkenLover]

where in washington are you? I am in eastern.

Chehalis/Centralia area South Past Olympia between Olympia and Portland.