Large Variation in Temp Throughout Incubator?

[barnkat]

I set two thermometers in my Hova-Bator and get 104 on the heating coil side, and 97 on the other side. The thermometers read the same temp outside the incubator, so it's not the thermometers. I'm worried that only a few eggs will be at the right temp, and all the rest will be too hot or too cold...

I've got the eggs in a turner, anyone recommend rotating it (or the eggs) once a day, or would the constant change in temp be even worse than a consistent (but imperfect) temp? Should I leave each egg in the same spot and just hope for the best?

This is my second time using this incubator, first time 2/8 hatched, late, and died within a few days, so I'm trying to be extra careful of the temp, humidity, etc!

 

[MissPrissy]

What kind of thermometer are you using?

 

[barnkat]

Just a couple of standard 5$ mercury thermometers that you'd hang on a wall, with humidity meters built in. Not the little cheap little one that came with the incubator, but nothing fancy either.

 

[kstaven]

Temperature readings are taken at egg level. That is the only reading to be concerned with. readings above the coils will be HOT as readings below the turner will be a degree or more cooler than egg level.