still air incubating

[silverbird]

If this has been covered, already in another post, forgive me!
New to this whole chicken/hatching/brooding thing, just bought a styrofoam still air incubator. How does one turn the eggs without the temp dropping. Has anyone used one of these with any degree of success? If so, hints, thoughts?
Thanks very much for any input, we are so excited to finally start our own home grown chicks, me and my enthusiastic 9 y.o kid!

 

[jenni2142]

I am using one with 2 windows in the top that pop right out and haven't noticed any drop in temps. I am curious what others have to say though as I am about to fill it with eggs again because the others didn't develop.

 

[deerman]

1.keep it in a room with temp about 75 or higher
2. get temp set so it turns off with temp of 101 top of egg
3. dont keep adjust temp. if the light is on its heating.
4. biggest problem with these are people keep playing with the adjustment. to high of temp. is a killer
5. open to turn eggs, place on sides ,mark x on one side, roll the eggs, so x is up ,thn next time down.


jUST A FEW HINTS

you can buy auto turners for them, but you can hatch without the turner

 

[Kung Foo Chicken]

The eggs will still be warm when you do the turning.
My broody hen gets off her nest 15-20 minutes per day
to do her business so turning the eggs will take less time
than her.

Deerman is right.

 

[silverbird]

thanks for all the input! Can't wait to start our eggies!

 

[jimma207]

I have had excellent hatches with my lg.
1. add a piece of window weatherstipping around the joint where the top sits on the bottom. your temps will be much more stable and the flux in the room will not matter.
2. I added a computer fan(blowing upward) where the factory fan is designed to sit. I just used a hot glue gun to stick it on. I paid 4.99 at amazon with free shipping for the fan. Ive been told you can find a used one just about anywhere.
adding the fan allows much easier control of the humidity. example-still air with just the center ring filled with water will register 30-35 and with the fan it is 50-55. It evaporates quicker. These may be different in your area.
My temps stay right on at where I set it. ( I am lucky the accurite thermometer I bought is exactly the same as the thermometer that came with my unit. good luck. I have had two hatches with 100% and 80% (at lockdown).

 

[silverbird]

how did you place the weatherstripping, in the unit or on the outside? where does the fan sit? in the center 'dish' on the base?
do you have the automatic egg turner?
so much to learn and so little time....