Tips for using Styrofoam Incubators

[urbanhatch]

Over the years I have read many complaints about keeping accurate temperature and humidity in Styrofoam Incubators. Here are a few tricks that are working for me. I am using a Farm Innovators Pro Series Model 4200. The Model 4200 has a fan and auto turner.

Model:

For more accurate Humidity and ease of use, use a few leftover prescription bottles filled with water:

Use a towel underneath the incubator for better insulation:

Use a Hygrometer to watch humidity:

Wishing that all of you using a Styrofoam Incubator have great success. BTW, the eggs in the incubator are Serama Bantams. Hatch day is October 21.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm too scared to use mine. It seems so complicated. Thank you for the tips.

 

[urbanhatch]

I'm too scared to use mine. It seems so complicated. Thank you for the tips.

Not too bad if you keep a good eye on Temperature and Humidity. The eggs are in Lock Down today for Wednesday hatch. Wish me luck

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Not too bad if you keep a good eye on Temperature and Humidity. The eggs are in Lock Down today for Wednesday hatch. Wish me luck

Good luck. Hoping you get a good hatch.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks for the tips and good luck with your hatch!

 

[urbanhatch]

Very happy today. Several eggs are pipping.

 

[The Moonshiner]

I've used styrofoam incubators for like forever. The best tip I couId give is to use a hovabator.
IMO the rest are unpredictable. Ive lost so many eggs trying to hatch with Little Giants that I won't owe one again.
I use wafer style hovabators and don't have any issues. They've been plug and play for me. Ive ran them year around nonstop for a few years or put it up for winter and break it out in spring. Theyve been so reliable for me that I don't even use thermometers.
Humidity depends on where youre at and what part of the year it is. Here in spring and part of the summer I don't even put water in them. In the winter when I'm heating with wood I have to add water daily.
I've never had to worry about temps so never tried extra insulation. I'd be very concerned with putting a towel under them. They have vent holes on the bottom or bottom edges of the sides. Those holes are what brings fresh air in you don't want them getting covered.

 

[urbanhatch]

My care and Patience is paying off. First Serama Chick hatched today. Others will soon follow.

 

[urbanhatch]

Success. 5 out of six eggs hatched on October 21. Here is one at day 13. They already like flying up to my arm.