Little Giant Incubator Tricks

[Arielle]

Quote:
THere you go. What is the temperature?

 

[seventreesfarm]

I finally got the temps at 99.5 with 2 of the sensors about an inch over the surface of the turners, about where the top of an egg will be. One that sits flat on the turners reads about 99.5, but it's a cheapie one and harder 2 read.

 

[SunnySkies]

I'm keeping it around RH 30 this time, like I did the first go around, and trying to decide about lockdown. But I need to candle and see what is going on, if anything. I was eating some of the leftover local eggs, and I didn't see any signs of fertility...

 

[Lisa Pedro]

THere you go. What is the temperature?

The 2 glass thermometers are reading approx. 101.5 and 102. The digital is at 100 but it hard to know where the sensor is inside of it ( what height I mean). This reading was taken on top of the egg that is sitting in the carton.This is the same thing they read last night.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I think you just calibrated your digital one!! If you keep the digital in the same location you know the top is about 102; I like the digital because I can read it quickly; I like the glass because I can see 0.5 degrees. Incubating is mostly about learning your equipment and that location, location, location effects the temperature reading.

 

[Arielle]

I'm keeping it around RH 30 this time, like I did the first go around, and trying to decide about lockdown. But I need to candle and see what is going on, if anything. I was eating some of the leftover local eggs, and I didn't see any signs of fertility...

Disapointing to see non-fertile eggs . . . candling will confirm your suspisions, or give you a nice surprise!

 

[Arielle]

I finally got the temps at 99.5 with 2 of the sensors about an inch over the surface of the turners, about where the top of an egg will be. One that sits flat on the turners reads about 99.5, but it's a cheapie one and harder 2 read.

Looking good!!

Higher temps favor the development of the female eggs; low temps favor the development of male eggs.

 

[Lisa Pedro]

Looking good!!

Higher temps favor the development of the female eggs; low temps favor the development of male eggs.

I want hens!

I just sold 8 to 10 roosters ( 2 were Silkies so I was not sure what they were)and still have to sell 3 more.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Just so you understand--it doesn't CHANGE the gender of the eggs, rather it favors the development of the already predetermined gender. At the expense of the other one. We are talking .5-1 degree here. VERY tiny difference. Shoot for 100 IMO.

My first time hatching shipped eggs netted 5 roosters from the entire hatch. I learned.

 

[Lisa Pedro]

I think you just calibrated your digital one!! If you keep the digital in the same location you know the top is about 102; I like the digital because I can read it quickly; I like the glass because I can see 0.5 degrees. Incubating is mostly about learning your equipment and that location, location, location effects the temperature reading.

My eggs did not get here today, so they should be here tomorrow morning. I will let them rest for the day in my office to come to room temp and settle. Then put them in or set them in the evening. How long does it take after you set eggs for the incubator to get back up to temp? Thank for letting me pick your brain!