Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[JulieNKC]

Thanks for the quick responses...

I am running a Little Giant (that had an auto-turner) but no fan/forced air. I also have no hygrometer. The water wells are full, and I have a soaked sponge sitting in there as well. Anything else I can do to improve humidity?

Should I leave the temp @ 99f?

Leave the temp where it is I think. Still air should be 100.5-101 next time, but since it's been at 99 I'd leave it there. What's your humidity at? If you're having problems getting it up and you have room add another sponge. If it's just a little low don't worry, when they start hatching the humidity will go up from them.

 

[JulieNKC]

Back from shopping. Bought materials for outside runs and the puzzle mats. I am thinking the mats will be perfect, and hope they hold up a while since they were not cheap!
Off to take older ducks outside. Then we will take goslings swimming and clean out their disgustingly messy pen of the pellets/sawdust.

Watch for the mats after christmas if you like them. We have all hardwood floors so I got a bunch to put in my toddler's room at walgreens after christmas for $2 a package. Not much help now, but for next spring, lol.

 

[Iain Utah]

Srbenda, x2 what Julie said. I would add to remove turner, lay eggs horizontally with dipped air cell side facing up.

Julie, celtic said her hubby went into hospital today but not sure what is wrong.

Not sure what I think yet of the mats. They seem to get slick when wet, so I have a towel under the water. Only $2 ?? They were $18 at home depot for 16 sq ft.

 

[psue]

sounds like it's been quite a day all around... I hope everything settles down for everyone...

I know I've missed a bunch today everytime I start reading I have to go do something

I'll turn the eggs in a bit and cool the ones that need it... so far just a little bump outward for Squishy but he/she is still rocking

 

[Goin Quackrrs]

I started with 25 eggs...I have at least 4 that have quit. I am on day 26 or 27 now...It seems that I have 2 that have internally pipped, as the air cell has shifted quite a bit in the egg, and I can see movement when candled.

So, the panic now sets in, how long should I expect once they have internally pipped until I see some external pipping?

It is usual to have eggs ahead of schedule, or are all the other duds or just delayed?

Mine were early. They were due today.

 

[Srbenda]

Srbenda, x2 what Julie said. I would add to remove turner, lay eggs horizontally with dipped air cell side facing up.
Julie, celtic said her hubby went into hospital today but not sure what is wrong.
Not sure what I think yet of the mats. They seem to get slick when wet, so I have a towel under the water. Only $2 ?? They were $18 at home depot for 16 sq ft.

Turner was removed yesterday, and I have marked all the eggs with the larger air cell side, and they are all laying on their side with the air cell up. Should I open one or both of the vent holes?

 

[Eyeheartquail]

Hey all, Just wanted to drop in and give some info.

For all that weren't sure why Jazminezoo's humidity at 80% works wonders, this is why:

For Ducks: If your incubator is equipped with a wet-bulb thermometer or a hygrometer, the correct reading on these instruments during the incubation period usually ranges between 82 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit on the wet-bulb thermometer, which is equal to a relative humidity of approximately 55% on a hygrometer.

Jazmine has a wet-bulb, not a hygrometer. We were talking today and figured this out. That's it. LOL

 

[Marty1876]

Seems like everytime I get to sit down, something happens and I rush away and leave.

SRBENDA- heres a link to little giant tricks that might help you. I had to get one recently, and I fortunately got one with a fan, but here are several helpufl hints and tricks from other BYC people https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/601352/little-giant-incubator-tricks. One humidity trick they mention is putting 1 cup size jars or glasses/etc full of water in, with a sponge to wick up water. I'm going two sponges in mine, plus water reservoir.

I jut took apart my old round hovabator, and used its parts to make a new incubator in a 6 cu. ft. thick walled styrofoam shipping box for fish. Its super thick walled (it took a bit of carving to fit in the thermostat. I actually used BYC thread info to make an old computer fan into the fan for my new hatch-o-bator. Its help up with plastic zip ties! So far, it's actually holding temp much better than the 20plus year old hova, with giant windows covered with thin plexiglass. Glad DH did the wiring! Thats part of what I've been up to all day. Im tired of stressing over bator space.

 

[Goin Quackrrs]

New photos!

 

[Goin Quackrrs]