Temperature and Humidity Gauges

[Poison Ivy]

Yes just tell them it doesn't read correctly or just tape it shut like everyone else does.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Well, I guess I will be taking my two Springfields back tomorrow.

 

[Solsken Farm]

Doing a search I found this thread. Any further feedback on these instruments? I need to get an accurate hygrometer and thermometer.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I use an Accurite (hygro/therm combo) and the Springfield that is in the photo...side by side. They are usually within 1 degree of each other and 2-3% humidity. However, I had one Springfield that quit working and took it back to Walmart. Just keep all your packaged and when they quit working...take them back and get new ones.

I also have a large, old-fashioned round one that I got at Walmart. I mostly use it in my brooder, but have put it in the bator as a control for the other 2 just to check and they were totally accurate.

While we're on the subject...I've gotten so I pay less and less attention to absolute numbers...except I try to keep the temp below 103. I dry incubate and don't pay much attention at all to humidity.

I've never had a hatch less than 84% and I ONLY have shipped eggs.

 

[Eggseronious]

I bought one, then another, then another of the assortment of thermometers and hygrometers, yep looked like the junk drawer. I now use a mercury thermometer ASTM 18° F 94° to 108° F with 1/10° Divisions that I purchased from Philadelphia Instruments I paid $35.00 plus shipping. This is the best money you will ever spend! I wouldn't hatch without one.

http://www.philadelphiainstrument.com/precisioncalibratingthermometers.asp

 

[megshenhut]

Yes, Wal-mart will take it back. You should have no problems with doing that.

 

[djdavis]

I also need help regarding achieving that 99.5 degree target in my old Brower still air incubator. This will be our FIRST attempt at hatching eggs. I have two of those little glass Brower thermometers and two digital thermometers with remote probes. The two with the probes both read about 5 to 7 degrees lower than the Browers, and do not agree with each other! (The two Brower thermometers DO record the same temps.)

The problem with the Brower thermometers was that one of the dang staples that holds the glass tube to the card with the degree marks was right in the way, between 99.5 and 102. I managed to move them up near the top so now I can actually see the critical temperature range!

I hope I am right in trusting the little glass Browers with their red rising line more than my digital remote probe thermometers that do not agree with each other, anyway?

The other question: I have read that the thermometer should be placed at about the height of the top of an egg, which I have done. The air temperature at that height was fluctuating from about 95 to 101 as the incubator cycled. Somewhere I read about placing the bulb of the thermometer in a jar or dish of water - same top-of-egg height - which makes some sense to me. With that arrangement, measuring the temperature of the water in a dish set at top-of-egg height, I had to increase the setting of the wafer switch quite a bit - but am now getting a very nice steady 99.5. HOWEVER I know my AIR temp is now cycling hotter than that 102 degree max we are supposed to strive for.

(I am now trying one of the digitals in the water with the Brower to see if they have more agreement measuring water temp than they do air temp.)

Is it the air temp I should be concerned with? Or should I stick with my water temp measurement for the setting?? Do I need to rush to the store to get a new/different thermometer?

We have at least hedged out bets: a friend with a track record of - mostly - success is going to hatch half of the eggs we are expecting. ;-)

Thank you for any advice you can offer!

Donna