Redwood Incubator - Leahy Favorite ARTICLE with Pic

[they'reHISchickens]

One week until fill date and we will have it running all week. Plugged it in this AM and now working with the hygrometer. Wick is original. Should this be replaced? Instructions refer to replacing wick when oily or dirty, so we are thinking replace. Replace with what?
Found this gem: http://bertie.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-make-a-wet-bulb-thermometer/
Athletic shoelaces?? Now there is a thought! Are they 100% cotton?
Filled the cookie sheet with warm water to the rim. Will report on how long it takes to evaporate and soak wood.

Additional problem is wick is dripping water-- reservoir is up and behind bulb of thermometer. This gives a dip in the wick that drips. Pix on Google of hygrometers all have reservoirs beneath the bulb.

Side view

Front and side views of thermometer setups. All seem to be original mercury thermometers. Small test tube at the bottom is a puzzle. It doesn't *fit* and was originally wired onto the brace. Could it have been to catch the drips? Likewise there is a tube holder that is unoccupied ( see about 1 inch above small test tube.) Anyone have any ideas what is missing? Am tempted to find a large test tube ( I think I have one in the attic) and place water reservoir beneath thermometer. Cork the test tube and drill hole in cork for the wick?
I am going on scientific theory here. DH is an electrician, not a scientist, so no help. Suggestions anyone?
Thermometer on left has mark at 99 3/4 degrees and only goes from 90 to 110.

 

[Tammy N]

Leahy 624 redwood incubator

this is the ad photo my camera lens is broken Grrrr

 

[crittercrazyTN]

just got 14 new buff orphington hens and 3 roos

 

[mstricer]

One week until fill date and we will have it running all week. Plugged it in this AM and now working with the hygrometer. Wick is original. Should this be replaced? Instructions refer to replacing wick when oily or dirty, so we are thinking replace. Replace with what?
Found this gem: http://bertie.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-make-a-wet-bulb-thermometer/
Athletic shoelaces?? Now there is a thought! Are they 100% cotton?
Filled the cookie sheet with warm water to the rim. Will report on how long it takes to evaporate and soak wood.

Additional problem is wick is dripping water-- reservoir is up and behind bulb of thermometer. This gives a dip in the wick that drips. Pix on Google of hygrometers all have reservoirs beneath the bulb.

Side view

Front and side views of thermometer setups. All seem to be original mercury thermometers. Small test tube at the bottom is a puzzle. It doesn't *fit* and was originally wired onto the brace. Could it have been to catch the drips? Likewise there is a tube holder that is unoccupied ( see about 1 inch above small test tube.) Anyone have any ideas what is missing? Am tempted to find a large test tube ( I think I have one in the attic) and place water reservoir beneath thermometer. Cork the test tube and drill hole in cork for the wick?
I am going on scientific theory here. DH is an electrician, not a scientist, so no help. Suggestions anyone?
Thermometer on left has mark at 99 3/4 degrees and only goes from 90 to 110.

I think what they were talking about is to put your trays in water and let it absorb the water that way. From my experience a cookie sheet is not going to be enough. I have used a cookie sheet and then went to a plastic square tub with sponges standing up in it, still had a time keeping humidity up.
You can buy the wicks at Meyer or any poultry supply place. http://www.meyerhatchery.com/produc...bators&grd_prodone_filter=PRODUCT_ID = '3020'

 

[ftwchopper]

We are going to give this baby a try and see what - if anything -- develops. We don't have a water tray so we found a ceramic tile that fits across the top and will put a rimmed cookie sheet on it for humidity. Welcome opinions on how that will work. I found instructions from someone on BYC with aged experience who said you fill the tray and let the wood soak up the water til it is saturated, then do the dry incubation. DH went over all the electrical and says it looks good as is. We have had it turned on for a few days and it holds 99 degrees unless the temp outside hits below freezing ( unheated area) so we are waiting til March 3 to set.
We have varying opinions on whether the vents should be opened or closed during incubation. Manual says 1/16 inch, old experienced guy says wide open. Opinions?
We will be hatching marans and banty cochins.
Also need to figure out how the humidity thermometers work. I think all parts are there. We have used the electronic ones previously and will again have an electronic one inside with outside display as backup.
We will either have loads of chicks.... or a lot of rotten eggs

If you need a new humidity water tray..I had one made for cheap money at a local hvac fabrication shop.The entire front portion should be covered by the water tray for the incubator to hatch properly.Also says in the manual to leave all the trays in when hatching,even when you only have eggs in one tray....

 

[they'reHISchickens]

thank you for the tips
I will look into a custom tray and soaking the trays. Also scientific supply house locally for hygrometer wick.We plan on using most of the trays to separate eggs/breeds: now all the kids want in on the action.

 

[Tammy N]

thank you for the tips
I will look into a custom tray and soaking the trays. Also scientific supply house locally for hygrometer wick.We plan on using most of the trays to separate eggs/breeds: now all the kids want in on the action.

I got the origional Hydrometer /thermometer and can get any Parts i need Here http://sunnycreekfarms.zxq.net/ForSale.htm
He has many of the old red wood incubators and may have some shelfs Good luck . i just want to keep mine in all Origional parts so i do not loose the value

 

[mstricer]

Quote: How much for the tray? I'm also looking for the glass tube for the hygrometer as my BF broke it filling it. It last 75 years, he got it in his hands and broke it in 5 days

 

[rbclark]

I am beginning the restoration of two Leahy incubators. Where can I find guidance? Most pressingly, I am looking for advice on cleaning and possibly refinishing the exterior. One of them is very dirty.

 

[Tammy N]

I found a place to order parts that are Origional some used some new since they never where used , Cool huh