Water Wigglers and Temperature

[Junkmanme]

I have been given good advice to use a "water-wiggler" with a thermometer.
..in order to get the MOST ACCURATE temperature readings in the incubator.

I am planning to use some brand of "remote thermometer/hygrometer" so that I
do not need to open the incubator hardly at all. (Low-Priced recommendations appreciated.)

How does a person use the "water-wiggler" with such instruments?
(how is it "inserted" into the "water-wiggler"? (fold over and "tape" together?).

Is this the type of "water-wiggler" to be used? (See link)

http://rinovelty.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.thumbs/cat/198/Novelties_Water_Wigglers

Any other information regarding this subject is VERY WELCOME !!!

I totally FAILED with my "homemade" incubator, and a KIND FRIEND here on Backyard Chickens has given me a broken Hova-Bator which I believe that I can repair.

I'm trying to figure out how to get this RIGHT this time!

This "water-wiggler" thing is foreign to me. I don't even swim well.

-Junkmanme-

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I have never used a water wiggler to simulate the internal temp of the egg, I find it takes up too much space in the bator that can be used for more eggs. Now, the temp probe on your thermometer is like a meat thermometer the probe part goes into the center of the water wiggler. I know that much

 

[kathyinmo]

JunkManMe---
Re your link .... yep, they look like that, BUT those don't look like they have the center opening. It should be like an elongated cheerio with water in it. Check out this link, with the thermometer with it. By the way, they are only $1. at WalMart, not $8. like at this link....


http://shilala.homestead.com/weasel.html

 

[Junkmanme]

THANK YOU, girls (Tuffoldhen and Kathyinmo) for your replies and information.

It seems that, although a GOOD IDEA, the water weasel/water wiggler is not necessary.

APPARENTLY, a fluctuation of 1 degree F (perhaps 2 F) is NOT a critical factor.
(A broody hen will sometimes leave her nest for food and water.......surely this drops the temperature for a short time, but comes right back up when she returns.)

I'm thinking that MAYBE this "incubating thing" is more ART than SCIENCE !!!

IF that is the case, I'm DOOMED !!! (There isn't an "artistic" bone in my body!!!) Ha-Ha!

Thanks for the input!

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Quote:

You can do it!! It's not rocket science, just learn your incubator methods, keep a journal and have patience!!!!

 

[Ken H]

If you want an average temperature inside the incubator all you need do is fill a small vial with a substance such as vasoline and place the temperature probe into the middle of the mass. What I used was an old mascara vial my wife discarded. The way it works is that the vasoline(or water or whatever you decide to use) won't reflect fast temperature changes but rather will give an average temperature due to the mass of the medium used. My thermostat is set to come on at 99 degrees and shut off at 100 degrees. The vasoline filled vial provides an average temp, which in my case is 99.3 degrees.

 

[Junkmanme]

GOOD IDEA, Ken!

Apparently, it would do the same as a "water-weasel".

I think I've got an old jar of Vicks around here somewhere. (that outa keep the chicks sinuses clear too! Ha-Ha---just kidding)

Some Jello in that old jar of Vicks might be just right....

????????

-Junkmanme-

 

[IggiMom]

On the advice of someone here on the forum, I made my own water wiggler by putting water in a ziplock bag, then putting that in another ziplock bag--and yet another--having all the air squished out of them, rolling them up, holding them in place with hair rubbers, and then putting the probe in the middle of them, not, of course, stabbing them, in which case they would right away lose all the water.

It works very well.

Catherine