Power Outage Day One

[FloridaSunnyDays]

I need some opinions as this is my first time incubating eggs. We collected 22 eggs to incubate in our Nurture Right 360 over a 4 day period. Yesterday, we set up the incubator and added the eggs, then went to dinner. We were gone for several hours and came home to the power being off... no idea for how long. My question is this, since the incubator resets itself after a power outage, what do I do for the day 18 lockdown? Do I manually reset the temp at that point? This question is especially meant to assume this will happen again because we get random power outages.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My question is this, since the incubator resets itself after a power outage, what do I do for the day 18 lockdown?

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Day 1 outage should have little to no effect on the embryo's.

But what do you mean what should you do for lock down? That bator lowers the temp automatically at day 18 or??? I have lowered mine before.. but usually hatch at the same temp without issue.

Keep track of the date yourself and do NOT rely on the bator for that.

Also invest in thermometer/hygrometer that you can calibrate and do NOT rely on any built in ones unless they can be calibrated. Once you verify their accuracy... you can work with it even if it's not correct... just set it where you know it is correct regardless of the readout on the display.

Incubating during power outages can cause issues including late hatch or even deformities depending on how long and how low the temp goes on what day of incubation. Since you know it's an issue try to plan ahead... maybe add extra insulation on the outside, making sure not to block vent holes. I use water bottles filled with sand and topped up with water (lid on tight) as heat syncs inside my bator... basically something as big and solid as possible that will help retain heat during an outage. If using a turner... some folks use rocks in their empty egg spaces... whatever works and helps for when you aren't home. I suggest be prepared to cull for defects as well as have a plan for the extra boys.

One outage I had while away (fuzzy recall says day 9ish, 6 hrs, 57*F) caused 50% hatch rate and 3/4 chicks bent under toes that got much worse with age. I regretted not culling those deformities but it was first time seeing it and knew boys would see freezer camp anyways. Yep 2/3 were boys. Not able to easily cull a pullet back then I gave her away... but felt cruddy about essentially pushing off a special needs bird to a member of my community. The fourth was a perfect pullet! Just to share my experience with you... it was a hard lesson, as most are.

Alternatively, let a neighbor know what's going on and ask them to call you if the power goes out so you can return home to shore things up. I can use the side burner on my BBQ to heat water and pour into a bottle (some folks have the old school type) to lay next to or around the bator and lay the blankets over all of it, replacing as needed.

I believe there is a converter kit that will hook up to a car battery and run a bator.

Fortunately as a homeowner, I hope to have an auto switching generator installed eventually for just this reason. At first I thought it would be no big deal to switch it myself... but the outages don't care if I'm home or not. Since I can often sell my chicks for a premium of $8+ each depending on breed, and eggs aren't free... aside from my time, the heartache of culling deformities, etc... Gee, you just convinced me... I must make this a priority for my home! Never mind that without power we don't have running water, refrigeration, heat, or flushing toilet... gotta save the chicks!

Man, I was upset when I just thought my electric fencing won't work either. But then as I was adding it I remembered.. oh ya, that's why I went solar!

For renters (or anyone probably), a small portable generator might be a good choice if used safely and allowed.

One of my favorite hatching resources (aside from BYC of course)..
Incubation guide

Also, consider "dry hatching" if they are colored eggs..
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...h-eggs-using-the-dry-incubation-method.47694/

Happy hatching!