Problems with Brinsea Incubators

[Cimmaron]

I have two Brinsea Ovation 56 Ex incubators that are one and two years old. When I first got them, I was getting decent hatch rates (maybe 80% of fertile eggs). My hatch rates have gradually dropped off. Now I am getting 35-50% of fertile eggs hatching! I asked Brinsea about it and have not received a response. The low hatch rate is consistent across the 5 different breeds I raise, and includes purchased hatching eggs, so I don't think it is a problem with my poultry. I have noticed that humidity readings are not consistent with the settings - last cycle both were set at 40%, but one was showing 35% and the other 55% (humidity readings were spot on when I first got the incubators). Any ideas what is going on and how to fix it?

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

I have three of those incubators, and not one is correct. I verify the readings with at least one hygrometer/thermometer, sometimes two.

Mostly I have Govee brand ones, but there are a few others. I have a lot due to the incubators and brooders.

One thing that can change humidity in incubators is the season, meaning if it's in a room with a vent, and did well while the heat was running, maybe isn't doing as well with the air conditioning, or vice versa. I had to block a vent behind the bureau where all three of my Brinseas are.

And yes, there's a window there. I had someone jump on me about that. I've hatched over 500 silkie eggs this year alone with no troubles. You can't see there are closed blinds and a blanket behind the curtain.