Set my *FIRST* batch of eggs this AM Jan.21st. UPDATE. I've got 2.pg14

[BBK]

good morning ....temps have been holding steady at 100 degrees and humidity is in the 30s..all is good here.


how's it going for everyone? Steady going?

Melinda

I think my cochins might be laying now, they're 4 months old...could this be true? If this is a possiblity, then I could have a cochin egg or two in there, that I thought were silkies... we'll see.

another

instant coffee day...I'm going today to get a new coffee machine, i had to work yesterday....

 

[paddock36]

Everything was going great until last night. Came home from work a little after 2am and the light had blown in the incubator and the temp was down to 73 degrees. I put in a new bulb but I'm afraid the damage is already done.

 

[speckledhen]

Steady as she goes! Tomorrow is Day Four for my batch. Halfway to candling day!


I had a bulb blow in my homemade bator once. Don't count them out yet.

 

[BBK]

I agree with speckledhen, don't count them out...It might be like mom getting off her nest to eat. Any idea of how long the bulb blew? Was it really cold to the touch....? Well, it doesn't make a difference....be positive!!

Everything is okay...ok?

I'm not going to candle until day 7, i've been so good about NOT going into the bator, if I check now , i'll be in there constantly...LOL

I got up this morning to 99.2 temps, i've been running 100 point something and my humidity was down to 27%, so i added just a little water.
Does it make a difference if the water is WARM or cold? I just used tap water, not warm, but not really cold either. It just goes up in humidity slower.

Melinda

happy hatching...

 

[Feathered Landings]

So I was invited to join your group...hope this is okay, I set 6 of mine on the 22nd and 1 on the 23rd in the AM. I only added it cause I knew it was from our RIR hen and we only have one rooster and he's a RIR too. In the group of 6 I know 1 is from our black australorp and maybe 1 or 2 more from the RIR, but not sure which ones for sure. It'll be interesting to see what mixes I end up with. This is my first time using an incubator (it was an early birthday present from my VERY awesome sister). I have a BO hen sitting on 1 egg that (if it makes it) will hatch within 1 week. She originally had 6 total, but we have an egg eater in the group and I think that's where they all dissapeared to

That's what lead me to wanting an incubator...such an addiction these chickens are, I'm crazy obsessed!!! One question...what is everyone aiming for on humidity - I know this is opening a can of worms but what is too high for the first 18 days? I started of at 60-65% but then lowered it to range from 45-55% (52% as we speak right now) after a post I had put up and was told more like 35-45%. Should I lower it still some more? Also, at lock down, what are you upping your humidity to and what's too high? I know the answers will vary, I'm just trying to get in the right ball park as this is my first time and I don't have ANY experience with this

Either way, glad to be here with all my fellow coffee drinkers (p.s. I like to add baileys to mine once in awhile) and good luck to everyone

Here's a few pics I have...enjoy!
My incubator...the eggs are now in a styrofoam container for easier rotating.

The egg I candled under our broody BO (that pic was taken almost 1 week ago, sorry not very clear) Checked it again last night, almost no light through, hope that's good

Side note/small brag that's off topic (sorry) - I just finished making my first chicken saddle, not too bad for my first attempt. Gonna try it on one of my girls tomorrow, which ever one has the most feather damage from our roo.

 

[CajunChick]

Oh that chicken saddle looks great! I need to make a few for my girls. Best of luck on your hatch!

Ida

 

[BBK]

Welcomed aboard Feathered Landings.. love your saddle, hope the girls tolerate it....it's for their own good!!

On the humidity, I was told to keep it in the 30s and let it go down to the 20s B4 adding water. After adding my water this AM, i'm up to 44%, I'm hoping that's as high as it's going to get for now. But i really don't know the answer to this.

I did find out after i add water my temps always drops, but i guess that could be from opening the bator. logical, huh...

melinda

i'm borrowing a piece of wood from my GF it's her candle-er... She said it's a block of wood w/a hole in it, but it does the trick. Does anyone use anything special to candle with?

melinda

 

[CajunChick]

I just added 3 eggs from my EEers to the bator...my mutts have been there since the 21st. Here's hoping it all turns out OK!

Ida

 

[Feathered Landings]

On the humidity, I was told to keep it in the 30s and let it go down to the 20s B4 adding water. After adding my water this AM, i'm up to 44%, I'm hoping that's as high as it's going to get for now. But i really don't know the answer to this.

Thank you. Mines at 40% so I think I'll try keeping it lower and go from there. As for candleing, I just use my hand, probably not as good because my hand covers about 40% of the egg, harder to see. I've heard of people used toilet paper rolls, maybe I'll try that technique next.

Thanks for all the nice compliments about my saddle. I've never sewn anything before, just got my brother sewing machine from the mother-in-law for a Christmas present and am trying to teach myself.

Time for coffee

 

[Megs]

i put some in on the 16th, so due a few days before your hatch. my first of the year, so excited (happy dance)

i beleave i set about 50, so we shall see!