Bator Question

What is the ideal temp and humidity for a still air bator?

not sure, but am sure someone will come along that knows

I set my temp at 100.0 to 101.0 The humidity anywhere from 45 to 60..

They say 101.. but I've dropped mine down... Seems to work better for me.

Thanks. Mu humidity is too low. Do I just add water to fix that? The temp is fine. Got me one of those new meters that measures both with a little probe dropped through the top vent hole. The thermometer that came with the bator was one of the regular kind and it stayed at between 101 and 102. When I put the new one on and put the probe by the eggs it read 108. I was cooking my eggs and didn't know it. It's a wonder I got any chicks at all. Only 2 from the last hatch and 1 of them died. Hoping for better results this time but I may have found out too late for this hatch. I only have 10 eggs in this time.

Hi Cajun! I have not done the hatching as many have done, but I have to agree with ZZ.s I have done five hatches now and mine is preset at 99.5 It can be hand set for different temps, but, I have never changed it and the humidity stays constant at 55. I add eight tbl spoons of tepid water every five days and it screams at you if it runs out. I have been so happy with this Brinsea bator that I am buying a new one that holds forty eggs next month. They are a little pricey but they show digital read outs of temp and Humidity constantly and turn the eggs auto every three hours.

Just maybe your eggs will be alright! I hope so. Good Hatching. Haystack

haystack, where did you get your bator?

I have spent over $100. trying to get an accurate thermometer.. I've come to the conclusion it's impossible. I gave up on the one from Brinsea with the probe.. it did the same thing to me as it did you Cajun... I lost a couple of batches from that experience.. so now I just go by the one from Walmart.. the cheapie.. I have 4 of them.. and I pic the one that seems consistent.. and never even look at it anymore! Once I know my temp is stable.. I don't look.. that might make me touch the thermostat which is more deadly than not looking..:)

If your Rh is too low..(and your wells are full) I put a sponge under the wire, right on the side of the bator so I can wet it with a turkey baster. Rh too high is NOT good, so be careful. I was told by one of the Nation's top Modern Game breeders to "keep it on the dry side" for bantam eggs.. so every 3 days I make sure the wells have water.. and keep the sponge damp if it looks like a potato chip.. that is more than enough.

I also keep my temps about a degree lower than recommended ... I seem to get a better Roo to pullet ratio that way. (Per Silkiechick's advice and other stuff I've read and been told)

Haystack.. that is a very wise investment! I am sure I've paid for a Brinsea with all the failed attempts in the Little Giant and Hova... It's better to pay up front than to go through months of frustration and expense!!

I just hatched 8 solid black as night Modern Game chicks... they are so cute! I can't tell any one of them apart.. they are all black spots of fluff.. :) They are a birchen/brown red cross...

Hi JordanKittyjo!! I bought my original Brinsea directly from the Co. Just google them. I called them and left the info and a lady called me back and took my order. It was about twenty buck less than going through McMurray Hatchery. It's only a three egger but I love it. If you want to increase your flock but not in a big hurry, it's great. We loan it out to the schools also. Have a great day. Haystack

thanks haystack, i have a bator but want to buy a new one. i have 15 eggs in my bator now

Jordan! Good luck on your hatch, and also what breeds are you hatching? Hay

Oh Jordan, that is exciting.. When I'm in the position to start hatching again, I intend to get a Brinsea also. It is well worth the money.. I'm jazzed for you!!

Gotta tell us what's cookin! LOL