You don't need GQF brand products! You can get plastic egg trays that fit perfectly elsewhere for less, and a bucket and a float valve will make the humidity refill thing.
I am not a huge fan of the GQF. Mine is older, and while far superior to the styro incubators I made some modifications in order to get better hatches. First, I replaced the disks with digital temp control. Second, I enforced all sides but bottom with styro sheets to help prevent fluctuations in temp (which they are prone to). Also, humidity fluctuates more than with redwood incubators. Mine doesn't have a clear door, but that's ok.
I have a redwood hatcher and incubator. The incubator is in the process of being fixed (waiting on replacement part) and the hatcher is ready to go (and gigantic). They are beautiful, look like pieces of furniture rather than hatching equipment.
I am working on my BSN/RN. The class I stress about the most is pathophysiology and pharmacology.... health assessment has a lot of material and vocab but is easier for me.
In regards to the ducks/geese.... I was saying the appleyards are staying while I plan on getting rid of the runners because the appleyard ducks are larger hence meatier. The dewlaps are just, well,.. I adore them. Sebbies are nice birds, but can't hold a candle (disposition wise) to the dewlap toulouse in my experience. There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general the dewlaps are calmer, quieter, and not as prone to male aggression (towards humans) during breeding season.
One of my ganders was the token goose at Chehalis. When I let him out of his crate he leisurely stretched his wings then I herded him into the show cage. At the end of the show, same thing. Being the only goose there he did relatively well in regards to staying calm. Geese are such social animals that I expected him to be stressed being the only goose. I thought more people were bringing geese, but I made a false assumption.
He weathered the show in fine shape. He was a little distressed but not badly.
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Chickie,. you are paying WAY too much to get those plastic hatching trays. If you can back out on that order let me know and I'll put you in touch with a person here in the PNW that sells them... Larry Urban. He's also a poultry judge.
All five ducklings are out now. I am enjoying the cuteness now, because it is followed shortly by the wet poopy mess that they become. Thank goodness I have wire bottomed brooders. Right now they are cute peeping little yellow fuzzballs. I do like the runners, I just wish they were larger/meatier. I love the upright stance and mine are pretty friendly and calm.
I live on the DRY side of the state and my incubator is always in the house. Being high desert we get HUGE shifts between day and night temps, can't expect the incubator to handle that if out in the garage/shop. I aim for 55-60% set to hatch and I hatch silkies and ducks like gangbusters.... geese,.. well,.. that's another story. I am switching to hand turning in a redwood incubator and natural incubation this year to hopefully get better survivability with the dewlap toulouse. I just LOVE those geese. LOVE. I try hard not to get attached to poultry, but they make it so darn hard.
Unfortunately, the appleyards are much much heavier and, although they aren't as interesting to watch, they are far better eating (the extra drakes have to go SOMEWHERE). The runners though, wow, good layers and very interesting active ducks.
I will try to get pics,.. it's my finals week and I'm half out of my head. Today there was a luncheon hosted by an instructor, and I introduced my only male classmate using the WRONG NAME to my husband and didn't even notice. By tomorrow I'll be asking the teachers if they can REALLY expect me to remember my own name when I need to know cardiac backwards and forwards as well as cranial nerves, etc etc. I mean, comeon? My name? How important is that really?
Oi. I love the coursework but have cumulative finals back to back.
What courses are you taking ???
I had to do all that certification for sugery assistant, maxillofacial.
Well, unfortunately the box is shipped, so no backing out, and maybe they will correct the shipping.
Usually when something is big and lightweight they do correct the shipping price.
It is a done deal, but please let us know who sells GQF stuff out here anyway !
Pretty please ???
You think the redwood incubator will hatch geese better than the GQF ?
I have read that waterfowl need more moisture than chickens, up to the point of spritzing the egg surfaces (like a wet mama duck/goose would be wet alot)
Are you saying (above) that Appleyards (silver) are much heavier than dewlap toulouse geese ?
I always thought silver appleyard DUCKs were way smaller than Toulouse geese...seriously !
Is there a appleyard goose ?
I am confused now, but nothing new there !
