Incubators Anonymous

[Tammy N]

They say ideal is 99.5, I always set mine at 100. Sometimes it goes up a little (like up to 102), but always keep it around 100, not below.
Maybe they're getting cold?

Are you using your own eggs or ordering eggs?
If you order, try to get from someone not too far (like not the other side of the country), and rest your eggs (at room temp) for a good 12 hours before you put them in.

102 will kill your chicks

 

[dutchbunny83]

I had temp spikes up to 102 when I hatched my lav orps because it was july and crazy hot here.
I hatched 17 out of 18 and they were mail order eggs.
I mean I didn't run it at 102, but they didn't die from it.

 

[coffeychicks]

I have had one spike to 102 was corrected quickly.

 

[ki4got]

Quote:
air compressor. or canned air. blow the dust/fluff out of the fans every time you clean it. but put something in the fan to keep from spinning too fast or you'll kill it.

if the fan's locked up, it's the bearing and fixing isn't usually an option. just replace it. you can get replacements off ebay just make sure it's either 12v or 110, depending on which yours is.

 

[dutchbunny83]

It is near Charleston sc. It is humid outside but somehow my house is dry. Should I take out the vent plugs

You're not all that far from me!
I love Charleston

 

[coffeychicks]

Oh cool yeah I love this area it is nice and peaceful for me and my chickens

 

[Arielle]

I have tried 3 batches of eggs and have had no luck. I have little giant still air with a fan installed to move the air. Hydrometer it at 100 with humidity at 35%. I see air cell develope but nothing else. What am I doing wrong I need more fuzzy butts my brooder is empty and it is heart breaking

I couldn't afford the forced air incubator so I got the still air and the fan from walmart for 10. Saved myself 50 dollars

Quote:
THere is a little Giant thread-- Cmom and I have been answering questions for some time now, i fyou are interested in oing that.

Have you calibrated the thermomters? and where are you taking hte temp? If the measure is about half height of the eggs it should be 99.5 in a forced air. I also take temps on top of the eggs and on the screen and average those , looking for 99.5-100.

REMOVE the 2 plugs, especially at the end of the hatch. THe eggs need oxygen-- seriously, To et the chicks to the 18th day then suffocate, is a waste.

I use a hygrometer in the room as well as in the incubator. I adjust the moiture to whatever it takes to get the air cells to match the diagrams. DO you have a diagram to use while candleing?

I candle a few on day 5 and 7 then make adjust ments, then on 14 and 18, On day 18 I may delay increasing the mostirue level if he air cells are not big enough. I delay until internal pip.

This means adjust the moisture level to get the air cell correct size.

Turn eggs like clokc work, Use that OCD to be very precise. TUrn 3 times a day or 5 times a day and stick to that schedule. Wash hands. Do yu hae the eggs marked X and O to be sure you are turning them?? ANd roatate the postion with in the LG as it actually is not contstant thru out.

I'm sure I have forgotten something. Do pop on over to the LG thread, Cmom can help you too.

 

[ocap]

I have not yet bought an incubator. I am reading and shopping and discovered a question I have not found the answer.
If I buy an incubator with hatching tray in the unit, how do I increase the humidity for the last four days while keeping the humidity low for the incubating trays? example is the Dickey 3 by 1
http://dickeyincubators.com/products.htm
I want to have three sets of eggs, putting a new set in each week to keep the eggs fresh(less than 10 days old).

 

[dutchbunny83]

I've never had staggered hatches on one hatch, I would assume it's very tricky!
Especially with lockdown.

 

[ozexpat]

I have not yet bought an incubator. I am reading and shopping and discovered a question I have not found the answer.
If I buy an incubator with hatching tray in the unit, how do I increase the humidity for the last four days while keeping the humidity low for the incubating trays? example is the Dickey 3 by 1
http://dickeyincubators.com/products.htm
I want to have three sets of eggs, putting a new set in each week to keep the eggs fresh(less than 10 days old).

you dont. that incubator is designed for large single run hatches.

how many eggs are you planing to hatch at a time?