Today I was able to locate an incubator. My first thought was to contact some local poultry supply companies. Before doing that, I considered maybe the local reptile shop kept a few incubators in stock. Sure enough, I called Pet Bazaar in Casselberry and they had two different incubators in stock. I took a drive up just before lunch and grabbed a Hova-Bator Incubator, circulated air model 2362N. This model was recommended by the staff as maintaining the temperature better than one without a fan. They were also kind enough to answer all of my questions about how to setup the egg boxes and regulating the incubator. I left feeling more confident and ready to start these babies off on the right foot.

I came home and pulled the Hova-Bator out of the box to discover it is made of styrofoam. That was a little surprising - I guess I was expecting plastic. Hey, if it works, it doesn’t matter to me. The directions were a tad confusing at first, but I was able to compare the pictures to what I had in hand and get everything connected correctly. Most of the websites I read said to leave the incubator established for 24 hours before introducing the eggs. This is to be sure the temperature settings are correct. So, I placed a bowl of water on the tray to help build up humidity and turned the temperature crank to the lower end of the scale.

Every few hours I would check the temps and they were staying consistently around 82. I felt comfortable with that as the recommended 82-85 and I would rather be a bit on the low side. I’ve placed the incubator against an interior wall where no sun will be hitting it and lower nighttime temperatures should have no effect. After 8 hours of the temp staying at 82, I decided to go ahead and move the eggs.

For egg boxes, I chose two Gladware containers. I filled each 3/4 full with moist vermiculite and poked several holes in the lid for air flow. Using my knuckle, I made impressions in both containers to hold the eggs in place. I then carefully uncovered each egg from the temporary cage and transferred it (without turning or shifting it) to a spot in the substrate. After each egg had been placed, I covered them all with a thin layer of vermiculite to protect them from any light that may sneak in. (I read the embryo can have a startle reflex from sudden light which could be fatal) I gave each box a light misting and then closed the lid. The boxes fit side by side in the incubator with the bowl of water placed to the right. This still allows me to check the thermometer through the viewing window, keeping me from having to open the incubator.

Here are the pictures I took of each egg box and the incubator. I think things are going well so far.

Egg Boxes

Incubator setup

Closed Hova-Bator

Tags: Eggs, Hobbies, Nature, Pets