We opted to get a turner after we had only 1 hatch out of 7 eggs our first time without it. With the turner we used a mercury styled thermometer at the top of the eggs. One came with the turner and after comparing to some other mercury thermometers we had, it seemed pretty accurate. So we read at the top of the egg it should be at 102 degrees in a Still Air incubator, which ours is. So that is what we did this time. The temp at bottom varied, mostly between 100.6-101. Our humidity varied from the 30's to the mid 40's days 1-18. Days 16-19 we let the humidity run down to 27-33% because my air pockets seemed too small. On day 19 we took out the turner (I know it was a day late, but it couldn't be helped!) and brought the humidity up to 65%. It varied up to 73% at times. Our hatch this time so far is 8 chicks with 5 eggs left. I think one of them was a quitter and I don't expect it to hatch at all. The others may or may not. That's better than 50% of the fertile eggs. It is certainly better than 1 of 7!
The Little Giants do go up and down on the temps and it can drive you batty. Just do your best and you might be surprised that you will get a hatch! All you can do is your best. Oh yes... we left one plug in and left one plug out, then both out at day 18. Hope this helps some! Good luck!
The Little Giants do go up and down on the temps and it can drive you batty. Just do your best and you might be surprised that you will get a hatch! All you can do is your best. Oh yes... we left one plug in and left one plug out, then both out at day 18. Hope this helps some! Good luck!
