Incubators Anonymous

[ki4got]

yes, vent holes have been opened. The hatcher is a LG still air, temp 100-101 humidity at 60-65%. The eggs are swedish flowers I have hatched in the LG three other times with shipped eggs and they've hatched but these quit it seems.

i'm hearing on the sfh thread that a number of people seem to be having problems with eggs quitting.

i personally do NOT like still air. i added fans to all of mine (4). dry incubate thru day 18, then up to 60% (ish). my sfh are hatching just fine. (shipped and local). actually i'm doing better with shipped right now, but i think part of that is the local were pullet eggs. got 6 of the locals due on the 11th. 14 shipped due the 18th.

 

[UrbanMamaHen]

i'm hearing on the sfh thread that a number of people seem to be having problems with eggs quitting.

i personally do NOT like still air. i added fans to all of mine (4). dry incubate thru day 18, then up to 60% (ish). my sfh are hatching just fine. (shipped and local). actually i'm doing better with shipped right now, but i think part of that is the local were pullet eggs. got 6 of the locals due on the 11th. 14 shipped due the 18th.

how humid is it where you live? do you know what the humidity is in your incubator the first 18 days? i wonder if it is still 30-40%.

 

[Dahlisgrams]

Quote: I've hatched in a still air and find it frustrating because the temps swing so much, even in a pretty regulated environment.

Just had two SFH eggs from my own flock quit right before lockdown. Shipping is not even required! A first for my own eggs..

Quote: Wish I could say the same.. just bought another one.. lol

 

[ki4got]

Quote: bought another what? incubator or broody?

 

[ddpbk1]

I don't add water for first 18 days with humidity around 18-20% and then add water during lockdown to get above 60%. the temperature is 100 at egg level and they are laying flat like I have done with other ones. I even didn't turn for the first 7 days because they were shipped. I candled them and no movement. Today is day 23 should I wait a few more days before throwing them? I want to try to fix problem as I have 26 basque eggs I got this week. I incubated them in the briesna 20 and then into the LG to hatch.

 

[ChickNmamma]

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!

 

[ChickNmamma]

I don't add water for first 18 days with humidity around 18-20% and then add water during lockdown to get above 60%. the temperature is 100 at egg level and they are laying flat like I have done with other ones. I even didn't turn for the first 7 days because they were shipped. I candled them and no movement. Today is day 23 should I wait a few more days before throwing them? I want to try to fix problem as I have 26 basque eggs I got this week. I incubated them in the briesna 20 and then into the LG to hatch.

Everything sounds good...

So you are only using the LG to hatch them? Is there a reason you aren't using the Briesna to hatch in?

Did you have any temperature fluctuation - power outages - anything that could delay hatch?

When you candled them - did they look full? Could you hear any tapping or peeping?

Sometimes you can tell if they are still alive by using the float test - put them in 100deg water and see if they float and wiggle. If they wiggle they are still alive in there. Just make sure you don't have any pips if you are opening up the incubator and putting them in water.

for your babies.

 

[DMRippy]

I personally will NOT try SFH again. First I had a great hatch but lost some during and stortly after. From 16 chicks to 5 juvies. Next hatch most died soon after. 3rd hatch same thing they died. I could not give them away..... nobody wanted them either. Just not hearty birds.

 

[LoneStarHen]

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.

 

[Overoberyl]

I personally will NOT try SFH again. First I had a great hatch but lost some during and stortly after. From 16 chicks to 5 juvies. Next hatch most died soon after. 3rd hatch same thing they died. I could not give them away..... nobody wanted them either. Just not hearty birds.

Agree. They are pretty but also NOT a dual purpose bird as was widely advertised by the original importer.