It probably has a wafer type thermostat, get a back up. Fleet Farm carries them sometimes, but might be sold out this time of year. They are cheap and you can order them online easy enough. Also, they do have the little fans for those available through Strombergs (online) and other places that you could add one to your unit. I have an LG with the little fan in it and found it did make a difference compared to the Hovabator I used to use. Now I only use the LG if I have a really small batch or for overflow, which won't likely happen this year but I will hold onto it anyway.
Are you setting it up using the auto turner and setting the thermometers on that? If you set it right under the middle sometimes it is warmer, so once you checked the thermometers in one spot, try another and see if it makes much difference. The other tip is that if you don't have to take the top completely off, or flip it up, don't. Since hot air rises, you can keep some warmer air trapped in the top if you just lift it as little as possible to do what you have to. I do this because it will help the temp get back to where you want it when you close it again.
I just had a thought...
If your unit hasn't been used in a while, you may end up playing back and forth with it more than I have to with mine. I think the longer those ones sit, the more messing it takes to get them to settle in.
Your hens need some empowerment!!! LOL! Don't you have your DR rooster to lead them out? Or did I miss something about him going away?
