Setting Eggs Sept. 24th-Oct. 4th-Last Hatch of the Year. Anyone care to join me?

[Kel35]

See this is my problem I couldn't kill anything that's living or breathing there's a rescue near me that takes cocks and rehomes them solo if I do ever get cocks thats where they will go

 

[Brookhavens]

See this is my problem I couldn't kill anything that's living or breathing there's a rescue near me that takes cocks and rehomes them solo if I do ever get cocks thats where they will go

Lucky you. Very hard to find that here in the States. I am like you...can't kill something that is living and breathing. Just checked and it looks like my eggs will be arriving tomorrow!!!!

 

[Selah]

We are first-timers...made a 'bator using a styro "Omaha Steaks" shipping cooler, which seems a nice size, with thick walls and well-fitting lid. We bought a dozen pullets at tractor supply this past spring, and lo and behold, three of them started to crow...so we accidentally have ready access to fertile eggs...who could resist? Apparently not us...with a great resource like this site!

We started 18 the evening of 9/23. The hens are red and sex links, the roos appear to be Buff Orpingtons...very big, vigorous, handsome boys, so we are ok with this mutt combination. The first 18 hours, I had the temp at about 98, but was able to make some revisions, and have been able to keep pretty stable at 99.5 since.

Question: It is essentially a closed system, and we will not have to open it until we candle...is that enough fresh air?

 

[Brookhavens]

We are first-timers...made a 'bator using a styro "Omaha Steaks" shipping cooler, which seems a nice size, with thick walls and well-fitting lid. We bought a dozen pullets at tractor supply this past spring, and lo and behold, three of them started to crow...so we accidentally have ready access to fertile eggs...who could resist? Apparently not us...with a great resource like this site!

We started 18 the evening of 9/23. The hens are red and sex links, the roos appear to be Buff Orpingtons...very big, vigorous, handsome boys, so we are ok with this mutt combination. The first 18 hours, I had the temp at about 98, but was able to make some revisions, and have been able to keep pretty stable at 99.5 since.

Question: It is essentially a closed system, and we will not have to open it until we candle...is that enough fresh air?

Welcome to the group. I am using 2 homemade incubators also but I used real Igloo coolers. As long as you have enough vent holes drilled into the bator you should have no problem. I have 2 on each side of mine and 4 on the top. I also drilled a hole right behind the fan so it is always drawing in fresh air.You do have a egg turner inside? Tubing so that you can add water for humidity? Post some pics so we all can see.

 

[Kel35]

We are first-timers...made a 'bator using a styro "Omaha Steaks" shipping cooler, which seems a nice size, with thick walls and well-fitting lid. We bought a dozen pullets at tractor supply this past spring, and lo and behold, three of them started to crow...so we accidentally have ready access to fertile eggs...who could resist? Apparently not us...with a great resource like this site!

We started 18 the evening of 9/23. The hens are red and sex links, the roos appear to be Buff Orpingtons...very big, vigorous, handsome boys, so we are ok with this mutt combination. The first 18 hours, I had the temp at about 98, but was able to make some revisions, and have been able to keep pretty stable at 99.5 since.

Question: It is essentially a closed system, and we will not have to open it until we candle...is that enough fresh air?

Welcome to the group

 

[Selah]

Thank you for the welcome

Looks like we will be drilling a couple of holes!
We have a dowel running through the bottom of the 'bator, which makes a tilt-table for the eggs that we can move from outside the 'bator. It has a computer fan (good thing there are so many old computers laying about...we burned up a few fans before figuring out we needed to reduce the voltage input with an old phone charger). We found some old eyeglass lenses laying about, which were easy to install, and make great wide-angle peep-holes. We have an 8 watt bulb inside, which is able to take the temp to 96-98. I added an aluminum hooded light with a 40 watt bulb to the exterior lid, and can adjust the distance from the 'bator using a couple of trays from an aluminum chinese steamer for exterior temp adjustment. Side and top views below...please disregard the background clutter...it is in a utility room

 

[Brookhavens]

Thank you for the welcome

Looks like we will be drilling a couple of holes!
We have a dowel running through the bottom of the 'bator, which makes a tilt-table for the eggs that we can move from outside the 'bator. It has a computer fan (good thing there are so many old computers laying about...we burned up a few fans before figuring out we needed to reduce the voltage input with an old phone charger). We found some old eyeglass lenses laying about, which were easy to install, and make great wide-angle peep-holes. We have an 8 watt bulb inside, which is able to take the temp to 96-98. I added an aluminum hooded light with a 40 watt bulb to the exterior lid, and can adjust the distance from the 'bator using a couple of trays from an aluminum chinese steamer for exterior temp adjustment. Side and top views below...please disregard the background clutter...it is in a utility room

This guy builds a "serious" bator from both styrofoam and plastic coolers. I based both of my incubators off of his and have had no problems maintaining temp. or humidity. I am a 49 year old woman and if I could build one of these anyone can : Cooler Incubators

 

[Roxannemc]

I ordered another batch of silkie eggs that will probably arrive by Wednesday or Thursday. So after they have had time to settle I will start them then. WooHoo!!!!

What do you all do with the chickens you don't want? Like the roosters? I can't kill them and eat them like my Grandmother did, rest her soul - and I have tried Craigslist without any luck. I have even tried to give them away without any takers.

Presents

 

[Roxannemc]

I know dont have any eggs set in but am gonna live vicariously for a while with you guys , if you dont mind, while i defrag from hatching. WEEN my way off...

 

[debchick]

Ok this is my first hatching experience so I'm alittle nervous. Got my 14 EE eggs this morning will put in tonight. Also my Sizzle went broodie on the 15th so she is sitting on 4 sizzle/silkie eggs
Date Sept 15 set- 4 sizzle/silkie
Date sept 25 set- 14 EE