Setting up the bator and nervous as heck.

[HeatherLynn]

Any tips to avoid problems? I have a sponge ready for low humidity dips. I have it warm so its ready to accept my future babies. Hubby is trying to find the 2nd thermometer. I have paper towels ready. Eggs are marked so I can keep track of turning them. No auto turner and an 18 year old incubator. Hubby is getting prepared by studying up on homemade bators just in case. Anything I am missing?

I have studied the sticky posts, gathered what I could out of books, talked to my 90 year old chicken lady friend. Now I am just nervous to start. Everyone tells me that chickens are easier to hatch than geese and ducks. Is that really true. I have done both of those successfully, actually with the same bator. I am hoping its easier.

All suggestions welcome. These are all barnyard mixes so I am really hoping I have some interesting additions.

 

[SunnyDawn]

If you've hatched geese and ducks you'll be fine!

The only thing I'd add is an oven thermometer. The kind with the probe that goes inside but the main unit stays outside (connected by a wire cable). I have mine set at 101, so if I get a temperature spike the alarm goes off and I can come running. My bator is a fan cooled cabinet incubator so I keep it at 99-100. For still air 100.5 is ideal so set the alarm for 102 or 103. A short time at either temp won't kill the eggs but you'll catch it in time to open it up a bit to cool off before they have to sit in a too hot bator for very long.

 

[LaurenM23]

You'll do just great!!! Just remain calm and confident.

 

[HeatherLynn]

I didn't think of an oven thermometer. Off to the store for me. I have 2 thermometers right now. One says 92, the one that came with the unit says 102. I am going to have more thermometers than eggs lol