Incubators

[lu bantam chickens]

sure .. i think theyre just fine for hatching a batch of eggs now and then .. if i was goingto make a hobby or business out of hatching eggs i'd want a better one, but barring that, no need to spend alot .. just get the extra gauge and keep an eye on it .. i had success the first use ..

So cute what was the chick

Some questions if you don't mind

Where did you get the extra gauge from?
As you have one of the incubators how much water did you add? was it every day or every other day?
Do you add more water when in lockdown - does the humidity need to be higher?
Did you ever need to open it for 10 minutes each day after day 3 for airing also did you use the styrofoam under the unit?
Do you set temp at 37.5 all the way through
Thanks

Thanks all - So much info and the links
Some differerences as live in the uk for buying on websites
MGG - what is a salt tested hydrometers?

Just want an incubator to use as a hobby now and then hatch (maybe) - think would like one that turns the eggs though

 

[Erba]

I had the HDD at the top. Temperature was spot on at 37.5 I checked with a calibrated thermometer. I had a analogue humidity gage (also checked) , in the unit and had it at 50%. The unit has no vents, so open it at least once a day to get oxygen in, until lockdown. I had six eggs and only two hatched. Might have been the oxygen or the humidity was too high. I did what the instructions said.

 

[shineandrise]

These incubators are actually pretty hard to keep track of/take care of, and I think it depends on the brand that you have. We have only incubated a couple of times but when lockdown comes you have to start maintaining these babies and make sure humidity and temp are right. When lockdown comes (the start of day 19 to day 21-22) absolutely no opening the incubator and try and keep humidity a little higher at about 58-64% and temperature at 99 to 101 degree F. After the chicks hatch you should keep them in there for about 20 hours till they fluff up and no more eggs have pips or zips with any progress. try not to keep them in the incubator for over 24 hours but don't open it to get a good look at them or take out only some the chicks. Some incubators before lockdown will need to be opened for a few minutes each day to let them have better ventilation. You can order an extra gauge and a humidity checker at TSC or Amazon. Hope this helps.

 

[lu bantam chickens]

Do you start lockdown on day 19 even if it would be bantam eggs?
Ordered a few humidity and temp sensors for which unit I get to help from ebay

anyone else got any of these incubators?

 

[shineandrise]

We have a very similar type of incubator. But we have never hatched bantam eggs. Although I did read on a reliable chicken source that bantam eggs will often hatch at day 18 or 19 and it is recommended to put the eggs in lockdown a day or two early. It said even as early as day 16... if it were me, I would probably put them in on day 17 in the afternoon. Hope this helps.

 

[Banty crazy]

Styrofoam incubators are extremely hard to clean and unpredictable. We have a Brinsea, our second and wouldn’t use anything else. Our first one lasted over 15 years and we used it every year. It might cost more but they last and are very reliable! I just set mine up again, second time this year, and within an hour it was set. Temp and humidity! Just my 2 cents.

 

[Yakubu linus]

I have heard that plastic incubators aren't as good as Styrofoam, and cheap ones are often only good for a hatch or two. Best of luck in whatever you choose!

how can I get it

 

[Yakubu linus]

This poll on incubators may help you decide. If you’re looking for cheap, good capacity and reliable, the Little Giant styro bator may fill the bill.

how much is it?

 

[PioneerChicks]

how can I get it

I think some popular ones are Hovabators and Little Giants. In my area a good Hovabator is around $120. Little Giants are closer to $80. You can order from Amazon.

 

[Yakubu linus]

please

sure .. i think theyre just fine for hatching a batch of eggs now and then .. if i was goingto make a hobby or business out of hatching eggs i'd want a better one, but barring that, no need to spend alot .. just get the extra gauge and keep an eye on it .. i had success the first use ..

I need it