Built an incubator out of an old cigar humidor. Managed to get temps stable, but had humidity issues. Decided to do a test with 6 eggs anyway to see if Jack was doing his job
Had veining in all six eggs (go Jack!!)
Then I slowly started to lose eggs. 2 developed cracks, 2 more showed blood rings, but I still have 2 alive and kicking. I have had temp spikes, my son accidentally unplugged it at one point, and last night, the bulb housing split and I had to REBUILD A NEW BATOR at 10pm!!!
Fortunately my fan was still working, the thermostat was still working, and I had extra electrical stuff and an old cooler on hand. Since the electrical housing would require new holes, new set-up, etc... I just went ahead and used that old cooler rather than try to make the pain in the butt little incubator work.
Managed to get temps somewhat stable, figured I would finally get some decent humidity, but NOOOOOO. Still measuring the same (39-42%) that I was getting in the old incubator.
I tried to find another hygrometer locally over the past week but no luck. The reptile store I was going to get one from had closed, and by the time I get one ordered, the ducks will either hatch, or the eggs will have gone bad too.
It will be a freaking miracle if I even get one little duck to hatch after all this, but that is why it is called a "test batch". What a learning experience!!!
Now I have to try and line up a source for day-old ducklings in case I only hatch out one.
Remind me again why I am doing this????
Had veining in all six eggs (go Jack!!)
Then I slowly started to lose eggs. 2 developed cracks, 2 more showed blood rings, but I still have 2 alive and kicking. I have had temp spikes, my son accidentally unplugged it at one point, and last night, the bulb housing split and I had to REBUILD A NEW BATOR at 10pm!!!
Fortunately my fan was still working, the thermostat was still working, and I had extra electrical stuff and an old cooler on hand. Since the electrical housing would require new holes, new set-up, etc... I just went ahead and used that old cooler rather than try to make the pain in the butt little incubator work.
Managed to get temps somewhat stable, figured I would finally get some decent humidity, but NOOOOOO. Still measuring the same (39-42%) that I was getting in the old incubator.
I tried to find another hygrometer locally over the past week but no luck. The reptile store I was going to get one from had closed, and by the time I get one ordered, the ducks will either hatch, or the eggs will have gone bad too.
It will be a freaking miracle if I even get one little duck to hatch after all this, but that is why it is called a "test batch". What a learning experience!!!
Now I have to try and line up a source for day-old ducklings in case I only hatch out one.
Remind me again why I am doing this????
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