Maine

[PollyC]

I have my second incubator going now with temps holding steady. I also have another one already running with 24 eggs in it. I am setting 48 eggs tomorrow for the Easter hatch a long. Hoping to bring some pullets and cochins to Wilton on Sunday. I may be bringing some Guineas for a friend also.

 

[annabananaandfamily]

My incubator is on and waiting for my very first batch of eggs, which my husband is on his way to pick up now!!!! The problem we have right now is that we havent been able to find a hygrometer ANYWHERE!!!!!! We have tried TSC, Blue Seal, Paris Farmers Union, Aubuchon, etc. Then resorted to walmart and Pet Life. Pet Life had one with their reptile supplies, but honestly it didnt look very trustworthy to me.....Don't know what to do!! Was planning on waiting til tomorrow or Sunday to set the eggs anyway, but REALLY need to get my hands on one ASAP! I will be in Bath tomorrow, does anyone know if there is a place in that direction that might have them?

 

[hoppy]

I don't use one. I tried the first few yrs and the stress just didn't make it worth it. whenthe later gets low, add water. that's what I do.
you can make your own. you take incubator wick (farm supply probably has this) and put it over the end of a thermometer bulb- tie it if it's not tight, dip one end in your water= hygrometer.

My incubator is on and waiting for my very first batch of eggs, which my husband is on his way to pick up now!!!! The problem we have right now is that we havent been able to find a hygrometer ANYWHERE!!!!!! We have tried TSC, Blue Seal, Paris Farmers Union, Aubuchon, etc. Then resorted to walmart and Pet Life. Pet Life had one with their reptile supplies, but honestly it didnt look very trustworthy to me.....Don't know what to do!! Was planning on waiting til tomorrow or Sunday to set the eggs anyway, but REALLY need to get my hands on one ASAP! I will be in Bath tomorrow, does anyone know if there is a place in that direction that might have them?

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I don't use one either. I bought a Flukers and it was a lying, terrible thing.

What kind of an incubator do you have?

 

[joanie_maine]

I use this lttle battery powered thermometer/hygrometer. I just set it at the bottom of the incubator in the middle on the wire.

I depend on the plastic thermometer (which comes with the incubator) resting on top of the eggs to check the temp.

You can find these at WalMart in the area where they have indoor/outdoor thermometers.

It takes one AAA battery - not included

 

[buckabucka]

I use this lttle battery powered thermometer/hygrometer. I just set it at the bottom of the incubator in the middle on the wire.

I depend on the plastic thermometer (which comes with the incubator) resting on top of the eggs to check the temp.

You can find these at WalMart in the area where they have indoor/outdoor thermometers.

It takes one AAA battery - not included

I use this too. I hear they are trash, really, but mine seemed to work okay. Of course, I've never tested it for accuracy!

 

[PollyC]

I use an Acurite that I got from Walmart and have had good luck with that. Cheap one ($8) but does the job.

 

[annabananaandfamily]

ONE OF MY HENS ACTUALLY DECIDED TO LAY AN EGG TODAY!!!!!!

First time since before Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[superchemicalgirl]

ONE OF MY HENS ACTUALLY DECIDED TO LAY AN EGG TODAY!!!!!!

First time since before Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!

That made me laugh!

*I've cried in the winter too, when I've picked 4 eggs out of the nesting boxes from 37 girls*

 

[Widget]

Finished cleaning out the coop today.

Now I just have to get some wood posts and more fencing so I can expand the pen. Then it should be all set for the flock, Good thing the chicks aren't due in until the first week of April. By the time they are ready to go outside they should have a large and secure area to reside in.
Also took the horses out for the first ride of the year. My younger gelding, Gosi, did great. He isn't great out by himself but he went all the way to the neighbors without pitching a fit. He was eager to turn around for home but he learned that he does not get his way. I would let him turn and take a few steps towards home and then we would turn and go back the way I wanted to go. Once he figured out that the only way he was going to go home was if he walked and not trotted or tolted he settled down. The other Icelandic, Stefnir, seemed to enjoy getting out. We went all the way to the trail head and back. Even did a bit of cantering. This is the first time in two years that we have gone for a ride since he has has trouble keeping weight on. He's put on some weight and I figured he needed the change of scenery. Didn't hurt that it was also 70 out. .