Incubator problem

[Anonymous]

Hi, im attempting to hatch turkey eggs, the problem i have is that my old incubator does not stay stable at 37.5....it as dropped to the lowest of 35 and highest of 39.9, have i lost them ?? they have been in there a week.. would love some advise...Andy.

 

[lwescott]

It sounds like you may need a new thermostat in it?

The higher fluctuations will probably be worse than lower. Maybe candle (with a torch) them at 10 days and see if they are developing, will give you a good idea

 

[Tim]

You -may- have lost them. The temperature needs to remain stable.

If it is a commercial incubator, you may be able to get a new thermostat from the manufacturer - they should also be familiar with the problem and be able to advise you if they think this is definately the problem...

If it is a homemade incubator, then you'll need to check your thermostat to make sure it doesn't have hysteresis of more than half a degree or so - in other words check the temperature it switches on and the temperature it switches off and make sure the difference isn't too big.

Tim

 

[foxy]

Yep you need a new thermostat, had a similar problem in mine...lost most of the hatch... Shame as it had JUST got back from the repairers!)
Developing embroyos do not cope well with temp fluctuations unfortunately..

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies, its an old galvanised incubator from the 60s, had the temp runninig spot on till i put the eggs in then it was up and down, question now is do i carry on for 3 weeks and hope ? candle in a couple of days ?? or just give up and purchase day olds !!...Andrew.

 

[Tim]

Candle now and look at where the eggs are. Candle again in 4 or 5 days and look for progress, it should be easy to see the lack of development....

 

[Anonymous]

Candle now and look at where the eggs are. Candle again in 4 or 5 days and look for progress, it should be easy to see the lack of development....

Hi tim, i candled th eggs and i can see movement in nearly all of them, so i maybe lucky....Andrew...

 

[lwescott]

Sounds positive

Good luck!