new to chickens, my first eggs will be here soon

[silverfilly]

Hello everyone, I recently bought a little giant incubator and followed the directions and set up. I have had it set up for 4 days now and the temp was a constant 100. I bought a digital thermometer/hydrometer today and put that in there. It is a still air so Im not sure about the temp. whats it soposed to be and where should I place the thermometer?

I have my first eggs coming tomorrow or Sat, a doz silkies, I could not resist, I also sent a M/O out for a doz marans, I think I may have gone to far but I had decided I wanted the marans first but I just could not resist those silkies. Im going to be over run with chickens.

By the way these will be my first chickens, If I can get a 10% hatch rate Ill be happy

 

[crazy4chicsinBC]

I know u place the thermometer on top of the eggs. Mine is a circulated air so not sure about the temp. Good luck..day 18 here for my first hatch

 

[Buster]

I don't know a lot about incubating but if you bump this thread up in the morning, I'm sure all kinds of incubating addicts will be glad to give you advice. Many of them have 85 to 95% hatches.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I don't place my thermometer on top my eggs....place along one of the sides or an open space on the bottom of the bator....

 

[silverfilly]

thanks for the replys, now I have anouther question.

I was able to keep a steady 100degree temp for 3 days but when i put the new thermometer in it obviously went down it took 20 mins to get it back where it was soposed to be. how long is too long to be under temp? I ask becouse i will have to turn by hand and I dont want to kill doing it.

 

[silverfilly]

its changed, my temp with the new thermometer/hydrometer is 101.7 and 41%humidity, this looks like its where its going to be steady now, do I need to adjust it lower? its a still air little giant, Im geting my silkie eggs tomorrow and should get my marans next week

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I think your still air needs to be no higher than 101...someone correct me if I'm wrong....your humidity anywhere from 40 to 50% first 18 days....when you place your eggs in the bator give it hours to come back up to the correct temp....