Newbie with a few questions...

[FarmerVal]

I just bought the HovaBator Still/Thermal Air Egg Incubator 1602N and it should be arriving soon. Am I going to need to purchase a thermometer to go with this? Or is it all set to go?

Also, how long can I keep hatching eggs that I order before setting them? Is there a special way to store them? Or should I set them to hatch as soon as I receive them?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Heidi]

Welcome to the world of hatching eggs. What I used is an Accurite thermometer and hygrometer. It lets you know the temp and humidity. Let your eggs rest about 12 hours prior to setting them in the incubator. If you are collecting them yourself you can collect for about 7 days, but you will have to remember to tip them or turn them every 12 hours. WHen I collect my own I keep them in a egg carton in the basement as the should be kept somewhere cool. You can also go here for more information... https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-howto.html#hatching
Good luck!

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi! Congratulations on your new incubator!
Heidi's advice is correct. 12 hrs is not written in stone. My mail runs around 11:00 am and I set shipped eggs the same evening with *good results.
Check your instruments for accuracy before you get started (many are wrong out of the package).
Good luck!

Lisa
*good results: good results come from good eggs. Non-viable eggs won't become viable by letting them *rest*.

 

[FarmerVal]

Thank you both! I just purchased my first eggs and they should be arriving soon. I'm going to set 18 eggs to start, so we'll see. I just purchased the Accurite thermometer and hygrometer, too

Should I just leave it in the incubator with the eggs at all times to monitor the temp?