Incubators Anonymous

[Jessimom]

So, have any of you tried to predict fertility from a Day 1-2 candle? I've done it on 3 hatches before, and I was 100% right all 3 times. Am I just lucky, or have any of you accurately predicted fertility this early?

I think by handling the eggs, I decrease fertility. I don't touch the eggs, except to move trays around, until day 10. They are on an automatic turner, so I have no need to touch them. I still screw up on predicting fertility in every batch - even though I wait for the first candle on day 10.

 

[WVduckchick]

So, have any of you tried to predict fertility from a Day 1-2 candle? I've done it on 3 hatches before, and I was 100% right all 3 times. Am I just lucky, or have any of you accurately predicted fertility this early?

I can pretty much tell by color. If after 48 hours it has a orange hue, then those end up developing. If its very yellow, those don't. Not scientific, but seems to be pretty accurate on my eggs (seramas, cochins, oegb's)

 

[OneMountainAcres]

I stopped even attempting to look before day 3 minimum. I usualy check about day 7 unless I'm really anxious for something lol.

Anyone here raise quail? Any advice? I MAY have a handful of quail eggs coming along with my silkie/showgirl eggs...

 

[Molpet]

I stopped even attempting to look before day 3 minimum. I usualy check about day 7 unless I'm really anxious for something lol.

Anyone here raise quail? Any advice? I MAY have a handful of quail eggs coming along with my silkie/showgirl eggs...

@Faraday40 raises quail

 

[WVduckchick]

I stopped even attempting to look before day 3 minimum. I usualy check about day 7 unless I'm really anxious for something lol.

Anyone here raise quail? Any advice? I MAY have a handful of quail eggs coming along with my silkie/showgirl eggs...

I planned to raise quail and did a couple hatches. Two dozen, then 3 dozen. My hubby ruptured his appendix while the second set was in, and i ended up selling them all because their housing wasn't complete, and he was going to be down for a few months. But i can say they are soooo fun to incubate and watch hatch!! Zip quick, and in pairs usually!

 

[gimmie birdies]

Mine I checked once or 2x, I am on day 12, I know they are developing, I don't need to know if they are still developing. I think where the candling goes bad is during lockdown. The biggest clue they are going to hatch is the pip, so instead of candling at lock down, I will look for pip.

 

[duluthralphie]

2 times a day????? NO WAY!!!


That means yours get candled 41 time more than mine in a normal hatch...

 

[R2elk]

Mine I checked once or 2x I am on day 12, I know they are developing, I don't need to know if they are still developing. I think where the candling goes bad is during lockdown. The biggest clue they are going to hatch is the pip, so instead of candling at lock down, I will look for pip.

I only candle at lockdown.

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Hi all
I am addicted to incubating and don't even have one yet!

Currently I have 4 buckeye hens and a roo. I plan on incubating starting in March. I also plan on starting a 2nd flock of chanticlers.

I've been searching far and wide trying to figure out what make and model incubator seems to have the best results. I'm a total newbie so I'm leaning towards a set it and forget it style. I'm thinking of one that holds 20-56 eggs.

What has worked best for you?

 

[FreedomFarm13]

Hi all
I am addicted to incubating and don't even have one yet!

Currently I have 4 buckeye hens and a roo. I plan on incubating starting in March. I also plan on starting a 2nd flock of chanticlers.

I've been searching far and wide trying to figure out what make and model incubator seems to have the best results. I'm a total newbie so I'm leaning towards a set it and forget it style. I'm thinking of one that holds 20-56 eggs.

What has worked best for you?

Well, I don't have much in the way of suggestions for the best one...although I've heard the HovaBator Genesis is a great model. I have a Farm Innovators (from TSC) that I got about a year ago, but haven't had much luck with my hatches in it, which could be due to user error. I have heard many say the Genesis is the best low-cost styro bator, though. I personally want an Incuview, for maximum visibility when I camp out next to the bator on hatch day (which I do every single time ). It mostly comes down to what works for you. Good luck in your search, and with your birds!