Incubators Anonymous

[gimmie birdies]

i do this as long as there is only a couple of weeks spread and if I have MORE little ones than big ones- then introduce the big to the little one big one at a time- it is funny the big one will freeze and not know what to do as the little ones all cuddle and love the big guy.

 

[ChristyinGA]

I want to know what you all think of this idea. I am constructing my coop and I am also having trouble with the weather freezing my eggs. I remembered my dad making a dog house for our dogs as kids that had a heated floor by zigzagging an electrical cord back in forth in a hollow floor. I am thinking of constructing a nest box like this so that the eggs wont loose their viability before I can collect them.

I dont know if an electrical cord will put off heat? What about trying one of those heat tapes that you use to keep your well pipe from freezing?

 

[klj491]

One of them looks like it quit about a week ago. 2 have a lot of clear space at the bottom still. The two I know are good, I could see moving like crazy when I candled.

How much do y'all pay for chick starter? I just bought 3lbs at $.80/ lb. I didn't want to buy a big bag in case nothing hatches, but I wanted to have some on hand at least in case they do.

 

[DMRippy]

One of them looks like it quit about a week ago. 2 have a lot of clear space at the bottom still. The two I know are good, I could see moving like crazy when I candled.

How much do y'all pay for chick starter? I just bought 3lbs at $.80/ lb. I didn't want to buy a big bag in case nothing hatches, but I wanted to have some on hand at least in case they do.

I buy 50lb bags so there is no comparison. I pay like $13 a bag. I think for you that was a good deal.

 

[ocap]

I am doing the candling (my first) on day seven and so far they all look clear. Should I start cracking the eggs to make sure I am right with my assessment?

 

[jphendrix]

Cant believe when I was loading my incubator that I cracked 2 of the eggs I bought yesterday! I am so frustrated with myself! I still have 16 though! Can't wait to see what hatches out!!!!!!

 

[klj491]

Yeah depending on how my next hatch goes I'll buy a big bag... But I didn't want to get a ton and not have any babies to eat it. Still need to get a feeder and waterer for my brooder. I'm going to get it all put together tonight and decide whether to hook it up in the shed or in my room. I really can't sleep with any lights in the room though.... I've had my incubator set up in my closet and it's worked well since it's pretty insulated from temp swings. But I feel like having a heat lamp set up in my closet would be kinda dangerous...

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Oh, so jealous of all y'all that have eggs in your incubators! I have hatching envy! My geese, ducks, chickens, are all laying and I'm dying to stick a *few* (evil chuckle) in the 'ole 'bator.

Blessings -

~ Aspen

 

[Runawaylobster]

Not sure if this is the place but I'll ask...What do you all think of the Farm Innovators model 4200 pro series? I made my own incubator last year and while I did get some eggs to hatch I'd like something that was a bit more set and forget. Mine requires constant adjustments that I couldn't always do because of my work schedule. My local TSC has FI for $130 and it includes the turner. I would of course buy extra thermometer/hydrometer for readings as I've read almost no incubators included ones are accurate. Any thoughts?

have you tried just using a digital temp controller it might be alot cheaper for giving it a try. you can set it up to work with your home made one pretty much without making any changes. I got one of EBAY for about $12. I am not the expert ozexpat posted some links on this thread somewhere with how to buy and wire it.... it is really easy..

I have the LG and i hated the temp adjustor too.. i just keep it now as a backup in case my big one dies..

 

[Runawaylobster]

I buy 50lb bags so there is no comparison. I pay like $13 a bag. I think for you that was a good deal.

wow.... that is a steal I pay $14.95 for layer feed and $15.95 for chick starter...