my incubator

BellsCoop · **Joined:** Thu May 05, 2011 9:44 pm **Posts:** 5

Is it normal for my incubator to go up and down by a few degrees or do you think there is a fault? I have the hooverbator

Buzzard · **Joined:** Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:21 pm **Posts:** 168

Foam type incubators are very susceptible to ambient air temperature. I use Hovabators myself found hatch-rate acceptable, Are you still using the wafer type thermostat?
I found the travel in the micro switch to be to long between on and off so I bought a digital in-line thermostat and now use that to regulate temp, with a much improved hatch-rate.

BellsCoop · **Joined:** Thu May 05, 2011 9:44 pm **Posts:** 5

Thanks Buzzard can I ask were you got the digital in-line thermostat?

Buzzard · **Joined:** Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:21 pm **Posts:** 168

I bought mine of ebay just search incubator,from (fantastic farms (Seller) cost about $50 if I remember correctly.

BellsCoop · **Joined:** Thu May 05, 2011 9:44 pm **Posts:** 5

I will do that thanks very much Buzzard

ShowTimeOEG · **Joined:** Mon May 09, 2011 7:15 pm **Posts:** 1

You need to have your incubator in the house in a stable temp like a laundry ect.. they work best in those conditions

BellsCoop · **Joined:** Thu May 05, 2011 9:44 pm **Posts:** 5

Thanks I will try that

scoopy82 · **Posted:** Sat May 21, 2011 2:38 pm

I also have a hovabator and found the temps move a bit so I've just relocated it to my walk in pantry to see if I can get more stability.

OakA · **Posted:** Wed May 25, 2011 11:20 am

Many incubators fluctuate in temperature extremes.
I remember trying to keep an incubator cool in over 45 deg temps in Parkes NSW, and now to keep it warm here in below freezing temps at high altitude.
The solution is where you keep it, in a stable environment out of drafts and extreme cold at this time of year.
I still use the older wafer type until I can change over and they are OK for the most part.
I have found an insulated box made to cover the incubator but still allowing air flow is good, even a large cardboard box is OK and in below freezing temps an old dooner to cover it and keep in the warmth and stop drafts can be a help.
Up here we often get a black out for hours at a time and at these times keep the incubator covered and do not open it until power is restored and had time to recover.For the greater part it does not effect the hatch but can delay it by a day or so maybe.
Thanks for the link for a digital thermostat, sounds a good deal, I know many or all of the incubator retailers or spare parts sellers have them but often are very expensive.

AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

my incubator

Who is on the Forum