Joe - How does one know if a chicken carries the scaleless gene? The NN babies have black skin and are sparsely feathered. Do either of these traits suggest the babies have the scaleless gene?
Lots of the banties hatched, so I will post some pictures tomorrow along with the codes on each egg so you can help me identify the new chicks. One of the EO hatched and he looks enormous next to the rest. I'm thinking it's a he because when I reach into the brooder the little guy challenges me and pecks me or whatever I've got in my hand. There is still one NN egg pipping, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that more of the LF will hatch. They have all enjoyed fresh water, grow gel, and tomorrow they will have some baby crumble.
Because I've had several hatches that didn't work out, I'm planning to replace the wafer for the thermostat and disinfect every surface inside and out before I set any more eggs. I have always cleaned between hatches, but I think it's time to replace my wicks and completely sterilize the inside of my Sportsman. I've always run the egg trays through the dishwasher, too, so that they can be as clean as possible for each new hatch.
I have some wooden cabinet doors with heavy glass inserts. I'm wondering: If the cabinet door is the same size as the wooden door on my Sportsman, can I swap doors and expect the cabinet door to be insulating enough to maintain the temperature inside the incubator? To test this, how long wold I need to watch the temperature before I can trust that it's going to remain stable?
Kass - Love the pictures. Keep us posted as your new NN babies grow up.
Bill - Nice to see you, as always. Sorry you could not stay longer. I understand about having to get home to take care of animals. The goats were happy to see my truck. They were already lining up for the milking stand before I could get their leads out.