Incubators Anonymous

[PD-Riverman]

I have 4 of the hovabators incubators (wafer thermostat style, upgraded with fans/turners) and have had very good success with them over the last 4 years +, hatching out about 4000 chicks so far. (3 are dedicated incubators, 1 is only used as a hatcher)

LadyCat, do any of your styrofoam have the wafer thermostat?

 

[ladycat]

LadyCat, do any of your styrofoam have the wafer thermostat?

One has a wafer and one is digital. The digital one is the hardest one to keep the temp steady. Actually, it's about impossible.

The one with the wafer is circulated, and it holds the temps better, but still swings a little too much.

 

[Jessshan8]

Quote: I would recommend trying to replace the wafer. The wafers are actually hollow and are filled with an inert gas that will expand the wafer when heated and are really quite sensitive. If you are getting temp fluctuations it could be a sign that the wafer has a pin hole leak allowing the pressure inside the wafer to escape thus causing fluctuations. As far as the digital one goes replace it with a wafer one. On the actual GQF site the wafers run $8 and the complete thermostat with wafer runs about $23

 

[ladycat]

I would recommend trying to replace the wafer. The wafers are actually hollow and are filled with an inert gas that will expand the wafer when heated and are really quite sensitive. If you are getting temp fluctuations it could be a sign that the wafer has a pin hole leak allowing the pressure inside the wafer to escape thus causing fluctuations. As far as the digital one goes replace it with a wafer one. On the actual GQF site the wafers run $8 and the complete thermostat with wafer runs about $23

I can do that, I've changed out the wafers in the past.

 

[Jessshan8]

https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_listItems.asp?idCategory=48&orderBy=sku

This is the actual site from them. There are other similar sites like this one but this is the cheapest I have found.

 

[ki4got]

Quote: not 100% sure yet. could be the switch or the controller, it just turns continuously. got the wiring diagram and know-how just need to get the incubator into the house to have time to work on it.

 

[Faraday40]

https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_listItems.asp?idCategory=48&orderBy=sku

This is the actual site from them. There are other similar sites like this one but this is the cheapest I have found.

Thanks!
I like a good deal.

 

[Faraday40]

Bumping my post.

I've used the styro kind for years. If you're nearby & can monitor the temp often, they work great.
In my classroom, there are ALWAYS little eyes monitoring it. Because the school may fluctuate temps at night & on weekends, I would sometimes wrap in blanket. (The custodians would also do their best to keep my room temp stable.)

For years I borrowed the free ones from the Ag Education Office. Sometimes bacteria can build up in the styrofoam &/or wear-n-tear from too many teachers using it. For the price, they get the job done. Models with the bigger viewing windows are more fun.

I have since built my own. I now get more reliable hatches.

 

[orumpoultry]

WE HAVE AN INTERNAL PIP AND A ROCKER!

 

[CharterChick]

Bumping my post.

I have a hovabator genesis and an LG. I love the genisis! The lg is my hatcher bc I don't care if it gets dirty. The lgs temp is touchy. I wrap mine with a towel to keep it stable. The genisis i use in classrooms and at home it works fantastic. Even when preschoolers are screwing with it! Lol