Mahonri's 3rd Annual, BYC Easter Hatch-a-long!

[Wisher1000]

There are small holes in the bottom of the Hovabator (stryro) that I assume are the air intake vents. There are 12 and each is about 1/4" diameter. Has anyone tried setting the whole bator in a shallow pan of water and using something to hold it just above the water's surface? I would think that would draw water vapor up through the holes and increase humidity. What do you all think?

 

[mstricer]

[COLOR=006400]Yes, Please join us!! We know not everyone is able to be at home setting their eggs at noon!! That is a target but may need to be adjusted to each individual's life![/COLOR]

Yeah I didn't think I would have eggs to set. But Wynette came through again for me with a last minute 24 auction I won again. Good luck everyone and happy st pattys day. Michele

 

[countrygirl911]

HI EVERYONE WELL MY LAST SET OF EGGS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO BE HERE THIS MORNING IS NOT HERE HAS BEEN TOLD I CAN NOT GET THEM TILL MONDAY I DO NOT HAVE A 3RD INCUBATOR FOR ME TO PLACE THEM IN FOR THEM TO HATCH 2 DAYS LATER AND IF I JUST PUT THEM IN WITH THE OTHERS THEN I WOULD HAVE TO STOP TURNING THEM 2 DAYS EARLY ANY ADVICE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO IS IT OK TO STOP TURNING THEM 2 DAYS EARLY

 

[Marty1876]

There are small holes in the bottom of the Hovabator (stryro) that I assume are the air intake vents. There are 12 and each is about 1/4" diameter. Has anyone tried setting the whole bator in a shallow pan of water and using something to hold it just above the water's surface? I would think that would draw water vapor up through the holes and increase humidity. What do you all think?

Most bators have a plastic tray that lines the styrofoam. Styrofoam is great fror growing bacteria and holding in heat, making it set in water would incerease bacterial growth in a warm air environment.
Those holes are meant to let in oxygen, so it will slowly flow through your bator. If you block them, you run a high risk of killing your eggs due to oxygen deprovation. Hovas are great for holding in moisture. You won't need to introduce that much anyway. I'd use a sponge against the side (wet) for water if you don't have a tray. Just check it daily, and rewet when its dry.

Don't forget to stearlize bator with bleach after each hatch, and rinse and dry before warming up again for the next hatch. Bacteria that'll form on your floor must be removed, they will also add to the egg death rate.

You don't want to kill your preganent eggs on accident.

 

[BBAcres]

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I don't have a clue. I had to dump all my water out to get it to drop. I'm new to this. I just read on here with my still-air I needed to keep it dry at first and at 101. I know someone with a lot more experience and knowledge will comment on this.

 

[Arielle]

There are small holes in the bottom of the Hovabator (stryro) that I assume are the air intake vents. There are 12 and each is about 1/4" diameter. Has anyone tried setting the whole bator in a shallow pan of water and using something to hold it just above the water's surface? I would think that would draw water vapor up through the holes and increase humidity. What do you all think?

Interesting idea.

Might be too risky. The Ventilation holes are very important to your hatching success. Many good ways to increase humidity from the inside, think wet sponges and the like. I'll bet by lock down this will be a hot topic and you will pick up a number of ideas to select from.

 

[Wisher1000]

HI EVERYONE WELL MY LAST SET OF EGGS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO BE HERE THIS MORNING IS NOT HERE HAS BEEN TOLD I CAN NOT GET THEM TILL MONDAY I DO NOT HAVE A 3RD INCUBATOR FOR ME TO PLACE THEM IN FOR THEM TO HATCH 2 DAYS LATER AND IF I JUST PUT THEM IN WITH THE OTHERS THEN I WOULD HAVE TO STOP TURNING THEM 2 DAYS EARLY ANY ADVICE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO IS IT OK TO STOP TURNING THEM 2 DAYS EARLY

First, I am no expert, this is my first hatch, so take my advice at your own peril. It seems to me that a hen does not stop turning her eggs on day 18. It also seems to me that one day more or less would not matter much. You could start lockdown a day late for the first eggs and and a day early for the later ones. It seems logical......

Oh and BTW, caps lock means you are yelling and it really bugs some people......

 

[Marty1876]

HI EVERYONE WELL MY LAST SET OF EGGS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO BE HERE THIS MORNING IS NOT HERE HAS BEEN TOLD I CAN NOT GET THEM TILL MONDAY I DO NOT HAVE A 3RD INCUBATOR FOR ME TO PLACE THEM IN FOR THEM TO HATCH 2 DAYS LATER AND IF I JUST PUT THEM IN WITH THE OTHERS THEN I WOULD HAVE TO STOP TURNING THEM 2 DAYS EARLY ANY ADVICE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO IS IT OK TO STOP TURNING THEM 2 DAYS EARLY

I guess I'd risk tuning them at least once a day for two days. I'd add extra moist sponges to keep the humidiy up. I don't think they will be harmed by the extra humidiy, since they are only two days behind.

 

[Wisher1000]

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LOL! Yes, I know, I am getting ahead of myself. It's just that I want so badly to do everything right. I have the temp under control and not too worried about the humidity until lockdown, so I am obsessing about that! Breath in, breath out......... They are not even set yet!

 

[roncrna]

Please tell me I'm not the only guy in this egg hatch?? But I'm use to that being that I'm in the nursing profession! lol And I get grief all the time from my wife for "wasting time" tending to the chickens so all you gals out there I feel for u when you get grief from ur hubbies. lol