Temps raising in incubator

[SunChick]

I am guessing that about halfway through incubation the eggs can create enough heat to raise the temperature in the incubator? I had to decrease my hova-bator by 1/4 a turn today to keep the temp in range. Its a new bator so I don't think the wafer is bad. The room temp is stable. hmmm.

 

[speckledhen]

I had a brand new Hova bator and had only had it running for a total of two weeks doing fertility test and the new wafer went out, causing the temps to rise and rise. I had to send to the company for a new one. I could smell ether, however, so take a whiff inside. If you don't smell ether, it probably hasn't gone bad. Mine totally blew!

 

[SunChick]

If I need to, can I get replacement wafer's at the feed store or TS? I cannot afford to wait since I have a full bator!

 

[speckledhen]

Probably. Some feedstores keep them around. I'd have one or two on hand even if yours is fine now! Can't have it go out in the middle of a hatch and have to wait for the company to replace it.

 

[Llysse]

How hard is it to replace a wafer? I was wondering about this earlier. I'm afraid if a wafer goes out in the middle of an incubation, it'll take me too long to figure out how to put it in, even though I do have a couple extras on hand. Does anyone have directions?

 

[hinkjc]

Agree, always keep spares on hand. Better safe, than sorry. The temp increase you are seeing doesn't sound out of the ordinary, but keep a close eye just in case.

Jody

 

[SunChick]

thanks! The rising temps makes me want to "hover" around the bator and I have been soooo good leaving it alone. Between teaching students and having a sick kiddo and horse I've been good about letting things be. I probably will go get another wafer just in case.....Do you think I should prepare for an early hatch?

pps. No ether smell...had DH take a whiff....he is a chemist!

 

[hinkjc]

I hatch a lot, so I keep 4 spares on hand at all times. You can never be too cautious when it comes to ensuring a good hatch. JMO As long as you keep the temp stable, your hatch should be just fine and hatch around the time it should. At most, it may be a day early, but I wouldnt' handle it any differently. Stop turning on day 18, increase humidity and monitor temp and ventilation and you'll be fine.

Llysse - sorry, I must have posted at the same time as you earlier. I didn't mean to ignore your question. I don't change mine, my dh does. But I don't think it's too hard...just unscrew the wingnut and it pops loose, then add the new one in. You don't want to do this during a hatch unless you have no choice, as it will take time to readjust your settings.

Jody

 

[SunChick]

cool, then 11 days until cuckoo marans and salmon EEs to hatch! Dipsy doodle's silkies and EEs are due in 16 days. Have a split hatch...so out comes another bator to hatch my first batch!. hmmm might have to resist....hatching my RIR and what I believe to be a cochin partridge cross or ordering more eggs...oh this is so addicting! I may be tempted into blue orpingtons...anyone got those? or polish...sigh...

 

[Carole AM]

I just ordered new wafers for my Hova, so we'll see how hard it is! I think I can, I think I can....