temps

[mobe_45]

Last year I used my incubator (GQF) and my thermometers read 99.5 to 99.8 most all the time. I set eggs five days ago and am using the same thermometers. This time they are reading 98.8- 99.2 most times. will this make the eggs hatch later, if so how many days later?
Could it be that the incubator is running that much cooler or would you suspect the thermometers?
The incubator was new last spring. This is the third time using it.

[wildergamebirds]

Could it be that the incubator is running that much cooler or would you suspect the thermometers?

                                                  YES

[CharlieHorse]

....be sure to let it stabilize for a day or two, including desired humidity before throwing in the towel.  I had 3 or 4 thermometers in my GQF, all read different and was driving me nuts until it finally stabilized and then all where very close if not the same.

[wildergamebirds]

  charliehorse has a good point (had to happen, eventually).

  It could be either, of course, but most likely cause is a difference in ambient temperature.  Do you know if that is the same?  Is this a GQF Styrofoam, or cabinet model?  Is air flow the same?  Plugs in place?  Did you add warm, or cold water?

  What reading do you get with your calibrated thermometer?

[slider]

That temp will delay your hatch a day or two. You must be using a thermometer with a battery in it. Change the battery. Put a new one in it every year. As stated by Wilder and Charley let it stabilize for a day or two. The whole thing has to heat up. Make sure that you put your water in it to get it set...and if you just cant get the temp any higher the eggs will hatch at that temp...

[jaime7997]

Still air or circulated? If it's still, maybe your thermometers are at different levels if you have more than one? Dunno if that could be it, just a thought. I am not the professional that these others are, but.....

[mobe_45]

gqf foam, circulated air, cold water.
One thermometer is about an inch higher. Maybe I should place them closer to the center, they're pretty close to the edge?

[CharlieHorse]

gqf foam, circulated air, cold water.

Of course, the same principals still apply, there's just not as much to heat.

When I used the styrofoam deal, I'd get different temp readings just by moving the thermometer/probe up or down, side to side, even just an inch would change the reading.  There were always subtle differences depending on location.  The cabinet incubator was a blessing, made incubating alot more enjoyable and hassle/maintenance free.

charliehorse has a good point (had to happen, eventually).

 


        

[mobe_45]

Yep, using ones w/battery. I have to go get new ones downtown.

That temp will delay your hatch a day or two. You must be using a thermometer with a battery in it. Change the battery. Put a new one in it every year. As stated by Wilder and Charley let it stabilize for a day or two. The whole thing has to heat up. Make sure that you put your water in it to get it set...and if you just cant get the temp any higher the eggs will hatch at that temp...

[mobe_45]

read 99.5 today. In good shape.

[slider]

Good Luck with it!!!!