The Buckeye Thread

[CanadianBuckeye]

I have a new-to-me Sportsman incubator. I've cleaned it up and disinfected it, and it's almost ready for a trial run. It holds around 180 eggs.

 

[goodb]

I have a new-to-me Sportsman incubator. I've cleaned it up and disinfected it, and it's almost ready for a trial run. It holds around 180 eggs. e  

180 eggs????

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

180 eggs????

Yes, three trays that hold around 60 eggs apiece. I don't plan on incubating that many but the price was a steal.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Yes, three trays that hold around 60 eggs apiece. I don't plan on incubating that many but the price was a steal.

If that is all you have you can probably hatching and incubate in the same unit, but it is messy. I like having separate units to do mine in. I hate cleaning those dang things, but they do run well. The only problem I have had with my mechanically is the stupid fans they put in them. Mine are newer models and have two fans in the top. If yours is older, then you might have the single, larger fan?

 

[Blueface]

I have a new-to-me Sportsman incubator. I've cleaned it up and disinfected it, and it's almost ready for a trial run. It holds around 180 eggs. e  

Sounds great! Numbers can add up quickly../ I have 2 incubators running and can hatch just over 500 eggs at a time.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

If that is all you have you can probably hatching and incubate in the same unit, but it is messy. I like having separate units to do mine in. I hate cleaning those dang things, but they do run well. The only problem I have had with my mechanically is the stupid fans they put in them. Mine are newer models and have two fans in the top. If yours is older, then you might have the single, larger fan?

I think it's an ancient one, 1502E is the model number. It does have only one fan and the heating elements look like metal coils that run in front of the fan. It was difficult to clean, the "works" collect feathers and dust and it was almost impossible to really clean and sterilize even when I took the back off. And, each and every metal piece (and there are lots!) has a sharp edge to it. On the plus side, it does seem to have a digital thermostat, a second emergency shut off wafer thermostat, and it was in good shape (looked after).

When I hatched eggs last year, I lined the hatching tray of my other incubator with a puppy pee training pad. It was great, soaked up the mess, kept the incubator clean, helped dry off the chicks, and gave their feet a good grip.

Sounds great! Numbers can add up quickly../ I have 2 incubators running and can hatch just over 500 eggs at a time.

That's incredible!! 500 at a time? sleepless nights I'll bet!
I didn't really want an incubator this big, but it was cheaper than a new, smaller one. Plus I'm having eggs shipped from Alberta and only expect around 25% to hatch, so I need the space or I'll only end up with a few chicks.

 

[stryker]

I have incubated 160ish eggs last year at a time with about 24 hens. It sure does add up and I am sure you will like the extra room when you need it. I am currently incubating 63 eggs and wish I had a hatcher so I can fill the incubator up.

 

[CanadianBuckeye]

I have incubated 160ish eggs last year at a time with about 24 hens. It sure does add up and I am sure you will like the extra room when you need it. I am currently incubating 63 eggs and wish I had a hatcher so I can fill the incubator up.

LOL you don't hear too many people complaining that their incubator is too big! Good luck with your hatch.

 

[stryker]

LOL, we will see on the 17th.

 

[Minniechickmama]

I sold a Redwood incubator this fall that holds 625 eggs. I decided to scale back and not do the hatching to sell bit. I have one small foam LG that I only use for very small batches or sometimes put overflow in or bantam eggs. Then the cabinets that the incubator is a newer 1500 series that holds about 300 eggs in the trays and the hatcher to match it. I did have them all full by the end of the season last year.

I got a few more Buckeye eggs and some others too today. With temps dropping, we will see how they do. Usually the Bucks keep going even through the really cold stuff. The lighter breeds and the lazy Cochins will slack off.