The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[getaclue]

It won't be long, and you'll have enough eggs. You might consider getting a new Spot Check.

 

[speckledhen]

Was thinking about this one, no probe on a flexible cord, plus has a built in hygrometer.
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/incubator-thermometer-hygrometer.html

 

[speckledhen]

Uh oh, I should have stayed on the thermometer page...what do you think of this incubator?https://incubatorwarehouse.com/incuview-advanced-combo-kit.html

 

[getaclue]

Back when I was using the styro-bators, I tried several types of digital temperature gauges. I got a couple for reptiles (temp and humidity), with the cords, and probes on the ends. They would work pretty good, for a hatch, or two. When the batteries would run down a bit, they decreased in accuracy. I got the digital kind you set in the incubator, just temp, no humidity. Again, they did good at first, but as with the others, in a short time, they too decreased in accuracy.

Along with the digital ones, I put in a cheap Little Giant alcohol thermometer. Those stupid Little Giant alcohol thermometers cost me about $6.00 at the time, and were the most reliable, and they were consistent.

Over time, I've accumulated quite a few of them. My R-Com incubator, so far has always been spot on regarding temp, and humidity, but I still put one of those cheap alcohol thermometers in there. I also use them in my brooder(s), (taped to the side, at the bottom) so I know what the temps are in the warmest part of the brooder.

It would seem the general consensus is that the Spot Check is one of the most accurate, and reliable digital thermometers out there. I've never used one, but I think that's what I'd go with, if I needed a digital thermometer. Sooner or later, all digital thermometers have to be replaced. Some, a lot sooner than others. You've gotten quite a few years of good service from you Spot Checks. It's simply time to replace them.

 

[getaclue]

These get good reviews too.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/harris-farms-nurture-right-360

 

[speckledhen]

I saw that one, too, will investigate further. If I get a new one, it won't be another styrofoam unit. The only thing I don't like about that one is the view is a bit more limited.

 

[getaclue]

Consider an Rcom. If you're going to spend nearly $200.00 on an incubator, add a bit more, and get the Rolls Royce of incubators. It's worth the money. I've had one for several years. My hatch rates are great. I set it, and all I have to do is add distilled water every few days. A gallon of water will do at least 2 hatches, so there's no major expense there. Over the years, if a part on it quits working, you can get replacement parts, instead of having to buy a new one. Customer service is decent. It's pretty easy to clean too.

 

[speckledhen]

Yikes, no, can't spend over $400 for an incubator. In fact, I probably should just shake myself right about now and tell myself to snap out of it. I have to remember this is not business as usual. I'm backing off keeping so many birds and a broody here or there may be all I need to add new stock.
I'm thinking you were right about the Spot Checks, that their accuracy finally bit the dust and the Genesis and the alcohol thermometers were correct after all. I may just throw a few more eggs in there and start over, not as many as I did the first time, but a few. Then, if I can verify that Bash is still fertile after all, I can at least possibly sell hatching eggs here or there for another year or so.

 

[getaclue]

$375.oo on the Rcom website. https://rcom-incubator.com/collections/all-products/products/r-com-mx-20-incubator

 

[speckledhen]

I'm sure it's a great one, but I can't justify that kind of expense on an incubator at the moment. I really shouldn't even be thinking about one at all, to be honest. If I got some spectacular stock some day and planned to sell chicks, maybe then.... I'm hoping that some of the hatchery bantam Cochins will be broody, though the only hen I ever had of that type went broody exactly one time in her four-and-a-half years of life.