hhmoore
tired & cranky shadow
I'd basically taken a couple years off from breeding; but decided to throw a few pairs together this year. I've been busy, and distracted, but I maintained enough focus to end up with about 40 eggs in the incubator. I decided to run the temps a little cooler than usual; but everything seemed to be going as expected...until the first clutch hadn't pipped at 60 days. No fears, they were out a couple of days later; and I started anticipating the hatching of the 2nd clutch. which was laid 4 days after the first. Yesterday was their Day 62, and I decided to cut the eggs so I could see what was going on. Everybody was alive....but they definitely weren't done cooking.
I had planned on waiting a few days to check them again; but couldn't resist a peek before I ventured upstairs to resume cleaning. Nothing. The thermostat had been reading consistent temps, and I can see it easily from my desk chair, so I glance at it a few times a day. As mentioned, I was using a lower temp than I usually do; but I didn't think 88.1 was cool enough to leave eggs unready at 63 days - something was wrong. A quick look revealed that the thermostat probe wasn't in its designated spot. Simple fix - but when the reading equilibrated, it was at 86.4.
That certainly explains the undercooked eggs.
I don't know if it got pulled free one of the times I had to move the incubator, or if I dislodged it when I was adding/checking eggs; but it's something that shouldn't have escaped my notice. (I'm usually good about checking the probe when I'm in and out, too; but the last time I specifically remember adjusting it was when I added Mine's eggs.)
Shouldn't have any negative impact - the eggs can handle those temps - but it will serve as a reminder to be more diligent.
I had planned on waiting a few days to check them again; but couldn't resist a peek before I ventured upstairs to resume cleaning. Nothing. The thermostat had been reading consistent temps, and I can see it easily from my desk chair, so I glance at it a few times a day. As mentioned, I was using a lower temp than I usually do; but I didn't think 88.1 was cool enough to leave eggs unready at 63 days - something was wrong. A quick look revealed that the thermostat probe wasn't in its designated spot. Simple fix - but when the reading equilibrated, it was at 86.4.
That certainly explains the undercooked eggs.I don't know if it got pulled free one of the times I had to move the incubator, or if I dislodged it when I was adding/checking eggs; but it's something that shouldn't have escaped my notice. (I'm usually good about checking the probe when I'm in and out, too; but the last time I specifically remember adjusting it was when I added Mine's eggs.)
Shouldn't have any negative impact - the eggs can handle those temps - but it will serve as a reminder to be more diligent.
