Trying to figure out incubator temperature.

[Junglebob]

I have been trying to find what my incubator temperature is. I've had a small cup about 1 1/4 inches tall in the incubator and I have been checking the temperature with a digital medical thermometer accurate to within .2 degree. I tried the idea of water in a zip lock bag and set it next to the little cup, both in the center of a hova-bator. I checked about an hour ago and the temperature according to the thermometer was 107.2, and the cup was 97.6 I also had a digital temp and humidity indicator for room use I got at walmart that I was using for checking the humidity. I then put that at the center also. I put some hot water in the cut to bring it up to 107 degrees and waited an hour. Checked again and the bag thermometer was again 107.2 the cup showed 99.1 and the room thermometer also digital 103.8. I'm thinking now I probably cooked the eggs. Looks like I would have been closer using the room thermometer, than the medical thermometer in the small open cup.

 

[Julie08]

the temp in a still air at the top of the egg should be 102, what exactly are you using the water for?

 

[Andy J]

I use the thermometer that came with my Hovabator 1602N.When preparing to incubate,I fill the center tray with water,place the turner inside and set the thermometer on top of the turner.Plug the incubator in and let it heat up for several hours.Don't plug the turner in until you put in the eggs.It usually takes a day or two to get the temperature right.Don't take the top off until you are ready to load the eggs.

Put the eggs in and place the thermometer on the eggs where you can see it through the viewing window.After several hours,you may have to make a minor adjustment to the thermostat to get the temperature where you need it.As the turner operates,you may have to reposition the thermometer to keep it into view.I don't like to take the top off unless it is necessary.Remember,the temperature doesn't respond immediately,it takes a while to stabilize.I think this is where a lot of people error.If the temp is a degree or two high or low,they panic and start adjusting the thermostat.Remember,the eggs have thermal mass and they take a while to warm up or cool off.I've had the power go off for 12-14 hours and they still hatched.A degree or two high or low isn't going to destroy your eggs.They just may hatch a day or two early or late.

This isn't rocket science.I think people get too technical about this.The hen leaves the nest for 15-20 minutes to eat and relieve herself.How much does the temperature of the eggs drop when she's gone?I've never measured it;but I'll bet it's more than a couple of degrees.

Don't worry yourself.Have fun!

Andy J

 

[Junglebob]

Quote:
I'm using the water to put the medical thermometer in. I figured the air temperature could change more quickly than the water in the cup, not as much thermal mass as an egg but some. I guess it still loses heat too much.