Temperature fluctuations in styrofoam incub - should I bother setting?

[bboyd1]

I have a still-air bator and similar problems with my house not having a room that's stable temp. My first time I only set 6 eggs because I was worried. Im a stay at home mom, so I watched them like a hawk. Kept the temp between 99 and 102.5. Was careful about humidity. Had 100% success rate, although they did hatch a little slowly. I also unplugged both vents, but added a wet sponge to increase humidity but still have enough O2 for the chicks. Im guessing what happened with mine isn't common, but I've not got another batch also in a still-air bator that's due Saturday. Best wishes, I say go ahead and hatch. I had to completely disregard the thermometer built in on the first bator and went strictly off the one I calibrated and had laying directly on top of the eggs (the 6 eggs) So for sure go by internal temp measured at the top of the eggs. Try for 101.5 at that level, that's what I did. Try not to over adjust, its REALLY easy to do.

 

[fatcatx]

You don't measure at the bottom, only at the top.

Here is a really nice guide from University of Illinois on operation of a still air incubator. I believe the model referenced is an older Hovabator (wafer) but a solid state control should be set up in a similar manner.

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/eggs/res19-opincubator.html

Thanks for the link! Some good info, but as is with most incubation pages it left me with even more questions

. I am incubating in styrofoam egg cartons with the bottom cut out. The article gives different temps for still air than what I've been reading on BYC. I've been trying to stay close to 102 at top of eggs, but article suggests this would only be appropriate for eggs on their sides on the wire. Am I cooking my embryos? Would a target of 100.5 be better since they are upright?

 

[fatcatx]

I have a still-air bator and similar problems with my house not having a room that's stable temp. My first time I only set 6 eggs because I was worried. Im a stay at home mom, so I watched them like a hawk. Kept the temp between 99 and 102.5. Was careful about humidity. Had 100% success rate, although they did hatch a little slowly. I also unplugged both vents, but added a wet sponge to increase humidity but still have enough O2 for the chicks. Im guessing what happened with mine isn't common, but I've not got another batch also in a still-air bator that's due Saturday. Best wishes, I say go ahead and hatch. I had to completely disregard the thermometer built in on the first bator and went strictly off the one I calibrated and had laying directly on top of the eggs (the 6 eggs) So for sure go by internal temp measured at the top of the eggs. Try for 101.5 at that level, that's what I did. Try not to over adjust, its REALLY easy to do.

Your success with similar temps is encouraging! At this point I am just hoping for the best. I've only hatched a few other times but had a confined room which made temp control so much easier.

 

[WalnutHill]

As with everything in life, the devil is in the details.

Quote:
The chart makes it simple by ALWAYS placing the thermometer on the floor. Therefore the reading at the top of the eggs will vary, because the top of the eggs will be closer in reference to the heating element.

 

[fatcatx]

Ugh! Sorry I missed that! Such a MINOR detail.

Still adds to the confusion though as I am taking temps at both top and bottom. In order to get the temps they list from the floor I would have to increase my temp considerably. When I have a top temps of 102, the bottom is at about 94 - well below what they suggest in both tables. *scratching my head*

I guess this is why every hatch is a learning experience!

 

[lazy gardener]

Also to take into consideration would be heat loss through the floor of the incubator to the surface below it. I keep a 1" foam pad between my bator floor and the countertop. Helps considerably. The best we can do, is the best we can do!

 

[fatcatx]

Quote: I'm getting a Sharpie out right now and writing that across my 'bator!

I feel better already.


Do the fake ceramic "dummy" eggs hold heat well? I was going to put those in in place of the duds I toss to keep the mass up.

 

[WalnutHill]

Yes, the fake ceramic dummy eggs, the solid ones, are great for retaining heat and releasing it slowly.