New member with questions!

[longmomma]

Hello from TX!

First time using an incubator, or doing anything with chickens or eggs. Just something interesting and educational for my kids to see, and then giving the chicks to a farm.

We got the Janoel- 10. Directions are awful. Turned in on, it's currently at 38.0 degrees, it sounds like that's where it's supposed to be for chicken eggs? We have 10 Black Australorp fertile eggs that just came in the mail today. From what I am reading, I should let them settle and should have the incubator on for 24 hours and then put them in tomorrow? And I am lost with the humidity- there's a cup inside which I guess I put some water in but no idea how much? And I guess I will need a separate thermometer for that, doesn't look like this model measures that?

One more thing- for turning them- how do I put them in there to start with? Pointy end down? Or on the side? And then do I completely turn them over twice a day?

Thank you so much for any help or tips you can provide!

Jessica

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Mark one side of the egg with an X and the other side with a O and turn them 2 or more times a day.
Fill the cup with water.
If it is still air 38C is correct.
I'd use another thermometer if you have a guaranteed accurate one (a medical thermometer is a good choice).
If you have an accurate scale, like a kitchen gram scale, weigh the eggs and they should lose about 0.6% to 0.7% per day if the humidity is correct.

 

[longmomma]

Great, thank you! I do have a kitchen scale so I will do that!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I hope this comes through.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...6YpvDWlI1VrzqFPymy2ryZQ&bvm=bv.91071109,d.eXY

If they lose too much weight during, add water. If not enough, let it go dry.
Surface area is more important than volume so you can add a sponge if necessary.

A couple more

http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/How_to_weigh_eggs_and_calculate_weight_loss/

http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/MonitoringEggWeightLoss.html

 

[siskiyouchicken]

Don't mean to cut in but I too am new to the site and have also just started trying to incubate some duck eggs. I have a Farm Innovators forced air incubator with an automatic egg turner. I have been able to regulate the temperature and humidity well with this unit. My question comes when it's time for lockdown. Do i just turn the turner off and leave the eggs in the turner or remove the turner and lay the eggs on their sides. I've had mallard duck eggs start to pip just prior to lockdown and am concerned the changing the position of the egg may cause problems.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the Backyard chickens flock, glad you joined us.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can do it either way. If you lay them on the side, put them on a flat surface and let them roll. The biggest part of the air pocket will end up on top and that's how you set them. Otherwise you can put them in cut down egg cartons, large end up. I like to pull the turner so I don't have to do a lot of cleaning for the next batch.

 

[siskiyouchicken]

Thank you I've been an observer for awhile, really like the site and still have a lot to learn

 

[drumstick diva]

siskiyouchicken I've never hatched eggs, and don't know anything about ducks. Things may be very different than what is required for chickens. Your best bet would be to head for the duck threads in the "Other Backyard Poultry" forum above.


IF you start YOUR OWN thread in the New Member Introductions, people will focus on you and respond to your questions. Your bring up interesting points re: what to do with turner/ laying eggs on side or ???? I wish I knew the answers - will have to try some duck research so I can be more helpful. Good luck to you.

 

[siskiyouchicken]

I concur with not wanting to clean the turner. I did pull the turner and laid them on their side and there has been some movement of the eggs. I guess i just need to be patient. If i use the cut down egg carton do I stand them straight up or lean them to the large side of the air pocket?