Power Outage? How to keep eggs warm?

[marathonmultiplesmom]

Ok, this is my first shot at hatching eggs and I have 8-10 in a forced air incubator and 2 in lock down in a still air incubator next to it. (i have staggered ages so I am using 2 incubators)

Anyway, a storm is rolling in and we might lose power. What do I do to keep them warm...

I do not have a generator

Does anyone know of a battery pack that could handle 2 little giants?

My temp/hydrometers are on battery already so I can still monitor them. In the forced air unit I have an easter egg with hair gel and a sensor inside measuring inside temp so I have a good idea on the egg temp.

I was THINKING... if all else fails and I cannot plug them in and the power goes out, I could

1. Throw a towel over the top to keep heat in
2. Boil some water and place the hot water in jars in the bater, and hopefully that will provide enough warmth until the power's back.

So, if anyone has been there, done that and kept their birdies alive, any experience you could pass on would be LOVELY!
Even if the power doesn't go out tonight, it could really happen anytime, so let us share ideas!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
I don't know how big your incubator is, but...I had a power outtage one cold day this winter on day 10 or so and was a total panic. I took my Brinsea Mini Advance and put it inside a Rubbermaid container, which was lined with a towel and then I wrapped it in foil b/c I thought it might be a good insulator (works to keep my lasagna warm, so why not?). They were without power for about an hour before one of my friends came and got it for me and plugged it in. The temp had gotten down to 79 degrees but the chicks had to have been retaining the heat inside the eggs because ALL of them hatched successfully!! Someone suggested to me that if my friend had not been available to help me out that I could have put the 'bator in my car.
Good luck. Cross fingers!

 

[hoppy]

wrapping the incubator in a blanket would be much better then a towel to hold in heat. you could use an inverter and plug into your car but you have to have an inverter (converts dc to ac power)
but if the power isn't out that long, they should be fine- remember, hens do get off the eggs on occasion.