Incubators Anonymous

[dutchbunny83]

Hey guys--

Tips on staggered hatch in a normal incubator???
I live in the city and do small hatches from mail order eggs (no roosters)
I make sure I purchase all eggs at the same time from sellers who say they will ship on the same date so they all go in together. (Usually 2 sellers at a time).
This time I won 3 small auctions (2 for 6 eggs and 1 for 4 eggs) all supposed to be here by Friday.
One seller just told me I won't get them until Monday and they will have to rest until Tues so that's about a 3 day difference!
I don't want to make the eggs I get on time wait another 3 days or more to go in because they could lose viability.
Suggestions on how to pull this off?
Can I start lockdown a day late on one and a day or so early on the other?
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[ozexpat]

Hey guys--

Tips on staggered hatch in a normal incubator???
I live in the city and do small hatches from mail order eggs (no roosters)
I make sure I purchase all eggs at the same time from sellers who say they will ship on the same date so they all go in together. (Usually 2 sellers at a time).
This time I won 3 small auctions (2 for 6 eggs and 1 for 4 eggs) all supposed to be here by Friday.
One seller just told me I won't get them until Monday and they will have to rest until Tues so that's about a 3 day difference!
I don't want to make the eggs I get on time wait another 3 days or more to go in because they could lose viability.
Suggestions on how to pull this off?
Can I start lockdown a day late on one and a day or so early on the other?
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

In this situation something has to give.

Then I would go into lock down when the first egg pips externally. If I knew the dates the eggs were laid and I could stretch the first ones out a day but I would only do it if I could keep the time to incubation under a week. In my experience with scores of shipped eggs delays more than that are pretty much brutal.

 

[dutchbunny83]

Okay thanks!
So far I have been lucky and they've all shipped & arrived when they were supposed to
But this guy is throwing a wrench in my plans!!!

Maybe put the last eggs in a carton so I can just open and pull it out real quick, then turn them outside and put back in?
I guess we will have to see.
With the number of eggs being so low, I really want a good hatch because I can only keep girls.

Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[ki4got]

Quote:
I would also not rest the other eggs but put them in as soon as you get them. this time of year I don't rest any because of the possibility of incubation starting during shipping due to summer temperatures. just don't turn them for a couple days and they should be fine.

actually, I never rest any eggs. and never a problem either.

 

[dutchbunny83]

Okay so the mail was just delivered and one box of eggs came a day early and are here (it's for 4 blue isbars).
They were shipped from Louisiana to NC and it's been hot.
Plus not getting here until 4 they've probably been on the truck.
Do I let them set out at room temp like I normally do, or put them in now?
It could be as long as 4 more days before the last eggs arrive?
I am expecting a delivery of the 2nd box tomorrow.

 

[Tammy N]

Quote:
oh you've got a cabinet 'bator? i'm jealous... but then again, like I've said before If I had one i'd fill it. LOL

that's probably a 110 fan then if it's hard wired in. if you've got electrical experience shouldn't be any problem detaching the bad one and replacing it... ebay has replacement fans in all sorts of sizes. i'd measure that one and find a similar replacement. if it IS the panel, can I have your old one?

i'd pay for shipping it of course. hubby and I tinker with electronics (like most hams do IMO) and I might be able to build something with spare parts from others. LOL

I have one and they are pretty safe easpecially with my cats . It is a good old Leahy You should get one some hold 300 eggs some 640 and mine 1000 i never fill it i used the 3 empty trays as hatching trays and love the fact i turn the eggs

 

[ozexpat]

Okay so the mail was just delivered and one box of eggs came a day early and are here (it's for 4 blue isbars).
They were shipped from Louisiana to NC and it's been hot.
Plus not getting here until 4 they've probably been on the truck.
Do I let them set out at room temp like I normally do, or put them in now?
It could be as long as 4 more days before the last eggs arrive?
I am expecting a delivery of the 2nd box tomorrow.

I would go with Ki4got. Get them in ASAP.

Once the chicken egg is laid, temperatures below 68°F (20°C) will stop embryo development. The embryo will remain at rest until the egg is re-warmed by either a brood hen or an incubator. This temperature (68°F / 20°C) is referred to as ‘physiological zero.’ The ideal incubation temperature of the chicken is 99-100°F (37-38°C). If the temperature of the egg goes above physiological zero, embryonic development can occur. Above physiological zero but below optimal incubation temperatures will result in weaker embryos and higher mortality.

Eggs traveling at this time of year get it rough. Get them cooking - just dont turn for a day extra.

 

[ki4got]

Quote:
I agree... and you've got a bit over 2 weeks, i'd suggest purchasing a second hovabators incubator, fitting it with a fan, and using it as a hatcher strictly. then it won't matter when the eggs come in.

you can get a 1602 still air for $50 or the picture window version (I like to see what's going on personally) for 70, add a 12v computer fan ($10 most places) hooked to a used cell phone charger (free? 6-9v DC - lower voltage causes fan to run slower). get it to temp, add water and hatch away.

check out http://lllreptile.com for their incubators. best prices I've seen short of used ones. and their customer service is exceptional.

 

[dutchbunny83]

Okay, thanks so much for the advice!!!!
I love all the expert feedback, I'm still fairly new to hatching!

 

[Runawaylobster]

oh you've got a cabinet 'bator? i'm jealous... but then again, like I've said before If I had one i'd fill it. LOL

that's probably a 110 fan then if it's hard wired in. if you've got electrical experience shouldn't be any problem detaching the bad one and replacing it... ebay has replacement fans in all sorts of sizes. i'd measure that one and find a similar replacement. if it IS the panel, can I have your old one?

i'd pay for shipping it of course. hubby and I tinker with electronics (like most hams do IMO) and I might be able to build something with spare parts from others. LOL

OK here are the specs on the fan.. SUNON MEC0381V1-000C-A99 Server - Square Fan DC12V 10W, 120x120x38mm definitely NOT the one on the website. I got my scuba tank and blasted that thing out.. still no dice, it works but it won't start on it's own and it's wobbly so i found same online and ordered it... fingers crossed.

if i had changed the whole panel i would be happy to send it but right now it looks like just the fan can be changed.. I tinker with stuff to but not so much electronics unless there is
a need (like this one).

I will say that when i called GQF he did give me useful clues on how to dismantle the thing to get to the fan easiest.. it saved me alot of time...