The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Sharondp on April 30, 2010, 05:14:49 pm
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I have a very basic incubator - it's automatic inasmuch as it turns the eggs and regulates the temperature, but it doesn't regulate humidity.
I have to put just the tiniest drop of water in and the humidty shoots up to 60%, With no water in, it is 30%.
Hubby thinks I may need to prop the incubator open a very tiny bit - what do you guys think - anyone any experience of this?
I'm about to candle the eggs tonight but I'm not holding out much hope - it's been up and down too much :(
Typically, my BO's have been broody all winter, as soon as I have a decent clutch of eggs, they're not interested! >:(
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How about trying a spray mister? Less water and finer droplets.
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I did think about that, but thought you weren't supposed to get the eggs wet?
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Can't you aim it into the incubator without wetting the eggs? I haven't a clue really as I don't have one, but I know you mist the eggs near the end of incubation. Could you take the eggs out for a couple of minutes while you spray then put them back in?
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You need to increase humidity towards the end of incubation so I'll be OK with my tiny drop of water in the water thray then!
It would be a real faff to take them all out each day to spray.
I'm wondering if there is such a thing as an incubator that actually regulates the humidity - bet it's costly if there is!
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60% is better than 30. try damp/wet kitchen towel. you can then take bits off until the right level. don't leave it open. that could wreck the hatch.
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years ago I made my own incubator . It had 3 trays and took about 200 or so pheasant eggs per tray . The heat was supplied by a row of light bulbs fixed on a board with the light part placed in holes ,cut in the side of a pipe made out of empty tin cans . Above this I made a tray to take a small amount of water ( like the old paraffin greenhouse heaters) , I used a thin layer of sponge to help prevent water getting tipped everywhere.
The heat was controlled by adding or subtracting light bulbs from the rack , till I found out the number needed in watts .
The water, I just kept it moist but not wet . In this incy I hatched hundreds and hundreds of chicken , guinea fowl , quail , ducks , geese, peacocks and thousands of pheasants . It cost me about £5 to make ....( it was 30 odd years ago ) out of a couple of sheets of ply and some 2"x 1" , a few light bulb holders , and a few other bits and bobs I had laying around .
It worked perfectly , apart from I had to turn the eggs by hand . The thermometer was an old fish tank one and I never had anything to test the humidity.
A tray of some kind with a bit of sponge/old towel, would provide enough moisture .
hope that sort of helps ....? ::)
cheers
Russ
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Thanks Russ - This one holds 16 eggs!! :D
There is a water tray in there - maybe I'll try a bit of sponge or kitchen towel in it instead of just pouring it in - thanks guys - although we'll see if I need to continue after I've candled them later!
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;D ;D ;D ;D
I have 11 (out of 16) viable eggs!
I have put a piece of kitchen paper in the water tray and will keep an eye on the humidity - thanks for all your advice - we'll see how the next 10 days go now!
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wow, congratulations - that's not a bad batting average! Almost 69% if they all hatch. (yes, I know, don't count etc etc......................) ;D ;D