Temp variation limits

[Laodicia]

Only one day left to figure this out for my first time. Circulated air, egg turner, LG.

When temp is set to 99.7, variation is from 98.45 to 100.6, but over the course of 5-6 hours averages about 99.6

When set to 99.8, variations from 98.89 to 100.8, again averaging about 99.6.

When set to 99.9, it no longer dips to 98 but the high is hitting 101.3.

Where would you set it? My guess would be 99.8, but I'm concerned about the lows being that low...

I haven't read all of the replies, but my point of view is it really doesn't matter if it gets that low or high if the average temp is 99.5 ish. the problem would be if it gets low and stays low or high and stays high making the average temperature actually different. for example: if you have a variation from 98 - 101 and most of the time it is at 98 occasionally going up to 101 then your incubator would be running cold. or the other way round it's usually at 101 occasionally going down to 98 then your average is too high. if you have it constantly bouncing between the 2 temps... temp at 101 light goes off dips down to 98 light goes on and heats back up to 101 rather quickly. your average is going to be closer to 99.5

 

[BantyChooks]

I haven't read all of the replies, but my point of view is it really doesn't matter if it gets that low or high if the average temp is 99.5 ish. the problem would be if it gets low and stays low or high and stays high making the average temperature actually different. for example: if you have a variation from 98 - 101 and most of the time it is at 98 occasionally going up to 101 then your incubator would be running cold. or the other way round it's usually at 101 occasionally going down to 98 then your average is too high. if you have it constantly bouncing between the 2 temps... temp at 101 light goes off dips down to 98 light goes on and heats back up to 101 rather quickly. your average is going to be closer to 99.5

Agreed. I'd suggest finding a way to measure average temperature rather than the swings.

 

[MightyMama]

Thanks, that was helpful. It's a digital. "The deluxe" model.

 

[lazy gardener]

If it spikes to 104-105 for a few minutes, but drops back down to 103-102, is that going to be okay?

The one spot/side runs so much hotter than everything else I'm between setting it higher to accommodate the whole incubator (which runs closer to 99 at that temp), or lower to keep the high spikes below 104.

Can you put a vent hole in that warm side to help release some of that extra heat? Can you keep eggs in the safe zone? Avoid putting eggs in the too warm/too cool areas? Can you try redirecting air flow with some tin foil, or cut up a louvered vent from home depot, and re direct some of that hot air back to the thermostat?

 

[MightyMama]

I currently have both plugs in, and I was going to take them out on day 3/4. I think that will help with the one side. Should I cover the little vents on the cold side?

The breeder gave me almost double what I asked for, which means that now I have a full incubator. And since my oldest egg is 1/11, and it's been so cold, I don't want to spend another couple days messing with it. I'm just going to set them, rotate them, and hope for the best.

 

[WVduckchick]

Wait and see how this current hatch ends up. Adjust according to that.

 

[feedman77]

My LG experiences with deluxe models.

The wire for the temperature must be secured. If you use the Turner it will move as the eggs turn and change how the temps are getting read creating even worse hot and cold spots. And any time you open the lid it never resets to the same spot. I removed the plastic sheet and ziptied the cable to the wires that goto the controller and bent the probe to to edge of the eggs.

The fan is offset not truly in the center. So the edges farthest away are cooler. I combated this by rotating the lid 180 degrees daily.

These can give decent hatches but mine required a lot of monitoring.

 

[MightyMama]

@feedman77 Do you feel that rotating the lid would be better than rotating the eggs?

 

[feedman77]

I wouldn't hurt rotating the eggs around.
I never did that just switched the lid.

 

[MightyMama]

how high did you have your incubator set and what was your hatch rate?