Incubators Anonymous

[Overoberyl]

I've used a cheap-o still air since I started hatching in 2010. I've never had issues with chicks quitting. I usually get almost 100% fertility. The problem I have is that usually several eggs have chicks turned the wrong way. The humidity is always an issue. I have to add plastic containers of water in addition to the wells in the incubator.

Too much humidity!!!

 

[ddpbk1]

I opened them. All dead looks like they quit about the time I put in lockdown. 2 skulls were extremely pointy(vaulted skulls??) I did good with the last batch of shipped swedish flowers 50% hatch with one wry neck and crooked feet and another with crooked toes. So I have a solid 5 at almost 6 weeks of age. But those eggs came from Texas and the others I tried have been Florida and Georgia. I guess I should just find more in Texas that way the post office doesn't rattle them.

 

[ozexpat]

Ok, this post is for all the people who want to upgrade their old Sportsman Incubators to the world of digital Electronic Temperature gauges - CHEAP!

I bought a Willhi Digital Temperature Gauge off of eBay (13.95), model number WH7016C. It came from China. My first one came with instructions, but somebody else needed it more than I did - so I sent them the one I had with the instruction sheet and ordered two more. The two I got DIDN'T come with instructions!

I thought I would have it handled because I did write down the wiring diagram I intended to use.

I had partially dismantled the Incubator to sand and paint it. I then put in one new cord for the power to the Temperature Controller (old light power cord), and used the wires that originally went to the thermo wafers to go to the controller relay. No extra relays - no power converters to 12V - no extras. I pulled the original two wires and the added power wire out through one of the holes for the Thermo wafer adjuster, the sensor comes in through the other hole.

I had all the wiring connected correctly but I couldn't get it to start the heater coil. I finally figured out that I hadn't setup the Controller correctly because the "work" light never came on - so I went hunting for the instructions. I found some on the internet - and after re-translating it into American I was able to change the controller - and now its WORKING! WOO HOO!

If anybody else is using this controller to replace the thermo wafers and needs the directions, let me know.

Now I have to get the missing trays for the turner, the hatching tray, the egg holders and the sock for the hygrometer. I will be leaving the old thermometers in there, but will probably be getting an electronic hygrometer at some point in the future - one that can record highs and lows for me.

I LOVE it when a plan comes together!

glad it worked out for you.I use them on a farm innovator and hovabator as well. it turns them into the equivalent of a genesis 1588 with set and forget

when I set mine up in the philippines, i had ordered the cooling version by mistake

 

[ChickNmamma]

I opened them. All dead looks like they quit about the time I put in lockdown. 2 skulls were extremely pointy(vaulted skulls??) I did good with the last batch of shipped swedish flowers 50% hatch with one wry neck and crooked feet and another with crooked toes. So I have a solid 5 at almost 6 weeks of age. But those eggs came from Texas and the others I tried have been Florida and Georgia. I guess I should just find more in Texas that way the post office doesn't rattle them.

Aaaah, I was wondering about the possibility of the crested x crested causing these problems. Yes, they can get vaulted skulls from that - and a lot of people aren't aware that causes problems. I brought it up on the SFH thread and pretty much got ignored. I have 4 non-crested birds and they are pretty hearty - but I like the crests - just not the huge ones or the possibility of getting vaulted skulls. There is also a seriously limited gene pool to choose from for these birds - I believe only 15 originally imported into the US - so everybody's birds came from those 15 birds. Unless exact records are kept there will be brother x sister matings going on - and that causes a lot of birth defects.

I also wouldn't call them a "dual purpose" bird, but they sure are pretty with their mottling and flowers. I am thinking I will just keep them for their good looks and possibly create some mutts with the pretty flowers. Maybe that will bring back the heartiness they originally had...

 

[ozexpat]

I opened them. All dead looks like they quit about the time I put in lockdown. 2 skulls were extremely pointy(vaulted skulls??) I did good with the last batch of shipped swedish flowers 50% hatch with one wry neck and crooked feet and another with crooked toes. So I have a solid 5 at almost 6 weeks of age. But those eggs came from Texas and the others I tried have been Florida and Georgia. I guess I should just find more in Texas that way the post office doesn't rattle them.

all shipped eggs go via memphis unless they are within 200 miles of you. it does not matter where they are from.

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
IF I find a SFH still in my brooder box I will put them in with the Ameraucanas to make some pretty EE. They are very pretty birds. I had 2 Blue and white and 1 that was more black and white and 2 that were gold, black and white. I really did like the looks of them, but like you said inbreeding is a problem. I know that the chicks I got came from brother sister matings.

 

[ozexpat]

glad it worked out for you.I use them on a farm innovator and hovabator as well. it turns them into the equivalent of a genesis 1588 with set and forget

when I set mine up in the philippines, i had ordered the cooling version by mistake

just read i could change to heating. god bless instructions

 

[ChickNmamma]

Quote:
Yes, I was very glad I found the instructions - now I know why it wouldn't turn on.. the default is cooling... On mine I also had to change the default for the interval (it's default is 5 degrees C below the off temp before it goes back on - that wouldn't be good) and the Default for Delay - 1 minute. Its out there right now - keeping it between 37.5 and 38... and its getting COLD outside!

 

[ozexpat]

Yes, I was very glad I found the instructions - now I know why it wouldn't turn on.. the default is cooling... On mine I also had to change the default for the interval (it's default is 5 degrees C below the off temp before it goes back on - that wouldn't be good) and the Default for Delay - 1 minute. Its out there right now - keeping it between 37.5 and 38... and its getting COLD outside!

the other ones I got where set to heat. I I was lucky. They are a great thermostat. The instructions are very clear







i posted them here

 

[ChickNmamma]

Quote:
Thank you, that is a better translation than I had. Mine is 110v not 12v but pretty much the same. At least your instructions were in English - I think the ones I found had been translated using google or something - not real clear...