The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: funkyfish on May 30, 2012, 12:46:53 pm

Title: Incubator too hot?
Post by: funkyfish on May 30, 2012, 12:46:53 pm

After reading couple threads on here re incubators running wrong I have placed a thermometer nr the eggs. Thermometer on top of brines Eco 20 is 37.8 nr eggs is 40! Eggs on day 6 and last lot hatched ok- do I need to turn it down a bit or see what happens? Have some croad langshan eggs I've been wanting for ages so want as good hatch rate as I can get!

Title: Re: Incubator too hot?
Post by: FiB on May 30, 2012, 01:32:19 pm

Hiya funky fish, dont recognise the name of your breed, but I have my eco 20 set at 37.4 for hens eggs and had an OK (I think) hatch rate (my booklet said 37.4-37.5) - 14/20.    My problem ha been getting the brood box up to the recommended 35 for the first week - I have one of those ceramic bulbs and I'm really struggling.  Chicks seem to be doing OK though. Good luck, Fi

Title: Re: Incubator too hot?
Post by: chrismahon on May 30, 2012, 02:14:49 pm

Hi Funkyfish. Is your checking thermometer properly calibrated? Unless you are using a clinical thermometer (like nurses use) you can't rely on it. I calibrated one we have in the cellar as it was 2 degrees out. Then compared it to the one in the greenhouse which was 4 degrees out!

Title: Re: Incubator too hot?
Post by: funkyfish on May 31, 2012, 09:38:57 am

Its a brinsea octagen- damn auto correct changes words to something random!

Used a clinical digital thermometer- but good point I don't use them at work as don't think they r accurate. Will not worry for now x

Thanks!!!

Title: Re: Incubator too hot?
Post by: FiB on May 31, 2012, 10:18:06 am

funky fish - we do have the same one - do you have instructions (it is a nightmare to programme!) - if not I could photocopy and send you mine (not that they are entirely clear ??? ) - PM me if address if you want a copy.  Cheers, Fi