In my first effort at incubating I had maginal success. of 7 fertile eggs I hatched 3 chicks. The others had fully developed chicks that died before hatching. They hatched 1-1/2 days early which, by all accounts, meant my temperature was too high. I used a meat thermometer the first time around; it seemed to measure my temperature better than the indoor/outdoor one I had bought. I stuck it in a water filled/egg size container. the temperature stayed very steady at nearly a hundred, but appeared to be just shy. The moisture content of the eggs seemed okay; they may have been slightly drier than ideal. I tried to mantain the recommended humidity for the period and think I did okay. The chicks didn't drawn in the egg, it was likely a little too dry in the developed space. The only other factor I think should be considered was the circulation by the fan. I used the fan of choice, one removed from an old computer, but I had it wired to run all the time as opposed to only when the heat was on, and I thought it was a little strong. Oh yeah, and I had a shield between the bulb used for light source and the eggs so the heat didn't hit directly on them.
Anyway, I read somewhere that medical thermometers don't work well for this. Can someone tell me what I might do different or how you manage your temperature?
My 3 are healthy and strong at 11 weeks with the lone roo eyeing the ladies already.
thanks, scott
Anyway, I read somewhere that medical thermometers don't work well for this. Can someone tell me what I might do different or how you manage your temperature?
My 3 are healthy and strong at 11 weeks with the lone roo eyeing the ladies already.
thanks, scott