Is this normal?

[Chickenupho]

Hello there, this is my first time imcubating quail eggs so I don't have much experience... It's only been 2 days and I'm really worried since I made the incubator myself. The humidity is fairly stable but the temperature is very unpredictable. During the day, it reached to 106 degrees. Because of this, I left it off during the night. When I checked the next morning, temperature was at 78! Now I'm really worried if anything else might happen to them. Can anyone advise me what to do? Also, I got these from the grocery store. I only put in 20. Thanks!!!

 

[Old McRonald]

You really need to get that temp stabilized, this should have been done before you started incubating eggs. Did you put a thermostat in to control the temperature? If you know someone who has an incubator you could use might be the best course until you get yours more consistent. As far as your eggs, depending how long the incubator was as these extreme temperatures will determine how hot or cold the eggs actually got so you may still have a shot with these. I'm sure others will add what I've missed. Could you describe your diy incubator so people can better offer help?

 

[Chickenupho]

You really need to get that temp stabilized, this should have been done before you started incubating eggs. Did you put a thermostat in to control the temperature? If you know someone who has an incubator you could use might be the best course until you get yours more consistent. As far as your eggs, depending how long the incubator was as these extreme temperatures will determine how hot or cold the eggs actually got so you may still have a shot with these. I'm sure others will add what I've missed. Could you describe your diy incubator so people can better offer help?

My incubator is made out of a sytrafoam box with a 25 watt lightbulb.

 

[Old McRonald]

Without a thermostat your temperature will continue to climb like you are seeing as the light bulb will continue to generate heat. I use 2 40 watt bulbs with a hot water heater thermostat to limit the temperature swings to a degree or 2. Always best to start it a day or 2 in advance before setting your eggs also to dial it in. Search diy incubators and there is a lot of good information and ideas out there. I believe people have successfully hatched eggs with very basic setups. Maybe propping the lid a bit would help you maintain correct temp. Also make sure it is in an area that has a consistent temperature.