Our First Broody and Incubator Hatch: a Diary

[igorsMistress]

Since this is the first time I've ever in my life used an incubator, documenting that too now.

Using a Hova Bator model 1602N with incu turn automatic turner and a fan.

After I added eggs and more water the humidity went up to 52% so I took one plug out of the top and left it slightly over the vent. It's down to 49% after several hours so I put the plug back in. Based on practice tests it should hold til early morning but will check again before bed.

 

[tjo804]

Very nice you are so on top of things @igorsMistress

 

[igorsMistress]

Very nice you are so on top of things @igorsMistress

Thanks sometimes I don't feel like it lol. BYC and the awesome peeps here help a lot!

 

[tjo804]

I would absolutely have an empty coop by now if not for the great ppl here!

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

Suggestion on heat. Take a old cooler drill a good size hole on back and front side. Fill with ice blocks and place hole in front of the fan. Will blow cooler air. Homemade air conditioner.

 

[igorsMistress]

Suggestion on heat. Take a old cooler drill a good size hole on back and front side. Fill with ice blocks and place hole in front of the fan. Will blow cooler air. Homemade air conditioner.

Thank you! We have tried something similar...the ice melted really fast and it didn't cool the coop. The coop has a fully open front covered in hardware cloth and shade cloth so the cooler air just blew right out.

 

[BlueBaby]

Thank you! We have tried something similar...the ice melted really fast and it didn't cool the coop. The coop has a fully open front covered in hardware cloth and shade cloth so the cooler air just blew right out.

Yes, you would need to use a huge ice block for it with the temps that we are having out here in the desert!

 

[igorsMistress]

Yes, you would need to use a huge ice block for it with the temps that we are having out here in the desert!

Yup, about the size of a refrigerator

 

[igorsMistress]

Yesterday someone must have been in Ruby's nest when she went back from a break. I had to move her eggs to the nest she's in now

Considering it was 100* and I'd seen her out about an hour earlier, I'm not too concerned they got too hot/cold in that short time. When I see her out I keep checking to see that she eats and drinks.

This morning the coop was 82* so the fan helps cool it down quite a bit over night. At least there's some relief for everyone.

The 'bator was at 48% humidity and 100* this morning. I did have to add a bit of water last night before I fell asleep though. I'm going to get a medicine syringe and some tubing this morning so I can add water without opening the lid.

 

[Onslow's Hens]

@Onslow's Hens

Congratulations on your broody hatch What kind of eggs are you hatching?

I didn't think Ruby was coming out either but since then I've gone out to find her quietly scratching in the coop yard. She doesn't stay out for very long though so maybe you've just missed Eva. I would keep an eye on her and leave food and water nearby. I am not going to intervene unless Ruby shows distress for some reason. That means lots of peeks into the coop. Despite the food and water near the nest box, she does come out to the feeder in the big yard and mingles with the rest of the gang.

I'm not blocking her off from everyone else. My flock is pretty relaxed about things and she's #2 in the lineup.

Enjoy your experience and let your girl do her thing. Chickens have millions if years of instinct to rely on. All will be well for both our girls!

I've read that some people make their broody get off the nest. I'm worried she'll break now that there are fertile eggs under her.

PS it's not a hijack. I started this thread for anyone that needs ideas, me, or has some that will help. Please, post away!

Igors - Eva is doing fine so far. Still sitting and very dedicated to it. We candled the eggs a few days ago and out of 8 - 6 are definitely developing, 1 was not fertile (discarded that one) and 1 is questionable so just leaving that one in there just in case. Eva came out yesterday and pooped, ate and drank a little then went right back in to sit. Her comb is almost white - I guess that is just from this broody process on her body. Hatch day is July 31st! The eggs are 5 Easter Eggers and 2 Barred Rock - (one of the barred rock could possibly be a RIR) the guy we got the eggs from was not sure on that one eggs. Gonna candle again tonight then not bother them anymore until hatch. Good Luck on your hatch- very exciting.