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Amen! \0/
Nest #4 was just set and control set on #3 for a slow warm up of all nest contents...it may take all night and part of tomorrow to warm everything to the correct temp, but I am going to be patient and wait.
The soil is about 3 in. deep(even saw an earthworm in there..will have to slip some lettuce leaves under the nest now and again), covered by an inch of leaves and then an inch of hay. Using the same box I used in the first experiment, just new elements. I poured a quart of warm water into the soil directly under where the eggs will be clustered and the soil absorbed it well.
I placed 27 eggs after candling and trying to select the best ones~was shooting for a total of 24 but thought I should add some extras for when I candle and eliminate infertile and quitters. There were a couple of the largest eggs that were disqualified due to blood spots in them. One that was too porous, but I kept some eggs that were porous in appearance because they had speckles on them~marked them as to level of porosity so that I can see how far those eggs actually go.
Put new feathers around the perimeter of the clutch but none directly on top of the eggs..I'm hoping that border of feathers will hold heat into the eggs on the outside edge for a more consistent and even heat out there, but still allow good airflow under the edge of the pad. The heating pad covers this new clutch by a clearance of an inch on all sides. Placed a thin pad filled with feathers on top of the heating pad until the nest warms up and then will take that off.
All air cells were marked, all eggs clearly numbered and a goodly mix of three breeds represented, though none from my two oldest birds.
I think I will use Mom's hydrometer(sp?) near the end to make sure I have the humidity levels high enough for a good, successful hatch.
Did I forget anything?
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