Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[OldMissionChick]

How much did the incubator cost?

Family Farm & Home for $44.99. I was looking at one at Tractor Supply but was told LG's are a death trap lol.

 

[wannahomestead]

Family Farm & Home for $44.99. I was looking at one at Tractor Supply but was told LG's are a death trap lol.

How do you like it so far? I know it's still new to you, but the foam construction makes me wonder if it's decently built or not? I kinda want to build one, but my impatience is starting to get the better of me.

 

[OldMissionChick]

How do you like it so far? I know it's still new to you, but the foam construction makes me wonder if it's decently built or not? I kinda want to build one, but my impatience is starting to get the better of me.

so far so good. I wish I would of bought some sort of better temp/humidity gauge for the lid since it seems to be a bit off. But the ones I have inside appear to be functioning. Day 1 almost here

 

[aart]

Foam incubators are pretty much the same no matter where you buy them.
They can work just fine, especially if they have a fan and a turner.

I'm going to set mine up tomorrow for my barter hatch.

Key is having temp/humidity devices that are accurate.
Hygrometers are easy to test....but thermometers are much harder.
Digital human baby temp thermometers are the have most accurate factory calibration, but are pricey imo.

Best to set up the incubator a couple days ahead of time and get the temp set...then be very careful about adjusting the heat, turn a tiny bit then wait a couple hours before adjusting again if needed. I put a milk jug cap on the dial for easier turning.

When setting up the incubator, before even heat testing, I put paper towel over and dipped into the water reservoirs, then chop sticks between the towel and mesh....also stick some sponges under the mesh. That greatly increases the evaporation area come lock down and makes cleanup easier too after hatch is over. I use a siphon bottle with a tiny extension tube to add water thru the ventilation holes without opening the lid. I also put a pan with water under the bator for added humidity during the winter.

 

[OldMissionChick]

How do you like it so far? I know it's still new to you, but the foam construction makes me wonder if it's decently built or not? I kinda want to build one, but my impatience is starting to get the better of me.

so far so good. I wish I would of bought some sort of better temp/humidity gauge for the lid since it seems to be a bit off. But the ones I have inside appear to be functioning. Day 1 almost here

 

[1muttsfan]

How big are the hams?

Look like just the right size for smoking

 

[bigmrg74]

Did she lay...or was she alarming at the puppy?

I'm pretty sure she went into the coop to go lay soon after that.

 

[Opa]

I have a special building that is just right for keeping hogs in.

 

[OldMissionChick]

Foam incubators are pretty much the same no matter where you buy them. They can work just fine, especially if they have a fan and a turner. I'm going to set mine up tomorrow for my barter hatch. Key is having temp/humidity devices that are accurate. Hygrometers are easy to test....but thermometers are much harder. Digital human baby temp thermometers are the have most accurate factory calibration, but are pricey imo. Best to set up the incubator a couple days ahead of time and get the temp set...then be very careful about adjusting the heat, turn a tiny bit then wait a couple hours before adjusting again if needed. I put a milk jug cap on the dial for easier turning. When setting up the incubator, before even heat testing, I put paper towel over and dipped into the water reservoirs, then chop sticks between the towel and mesh....also stick some sponges under the mesh. That greatly increases the evaporation area come lock down and makes cleanup easier too after hatch is over. I use a siphon bottle with a tiny extension tube to add water thru the ventilation holes without opening the lid. I also put a pan with water under the bator for added humidity during the winter.

What is the water bottle and hose for?

 

[aart]

Quote: That's the siphon bottle......there's tube inside so when you squeeze the bottle the contents come out the tube.
I added a length of potted plant irrigation tubing to the siphon tube with a piece of aquarium air pump tubing.