We use what is considered the "Suspension Method". It is generally believed that this method allows for the eggs to breath better.
We prefer the suspension method as it ensures there will be plenty of moisture/humidity during the entire incubation process.
Containers:
8.5 Qt Keep Box PN 10030361 Container Store
We like these because of the depth that they provide and the lids have a sealing gasket built in. Our preference is to place four eggs in each container.
No holes
Medium:
Water - This is the main component in our medium setup. We keep gallon containers of water in the breeder room during egg season. This allows the water to be within a few degrees of the freshly laid eggs. It's our opinion that too cold or too warm of water can shock or even cook the eggs if not managed properly.
Other:
Eggcrate/Light diffuser is a plastic piece with holes in it. This can be found at the local home improvement stores in the lighting section. Cut to size as needed with wire cutters.
Deli cups with the bottoms cut off, these will act as "stilts" to firmly suspend the eggcrate and eggs above the water.
Mesh canvas
Container Setup:
Fill the egg container with four deli cups of water. The deli-cups that were prepped earlier will be placed with the bottom side down and then we place the eggcrate on the deli containers so that it sits flat. In our setup there is about 1.5 - 2 inches between the perlite and the bottom of the eggcrate.
Incubator:
Our unit is a converted Lab Cooler. It has two strips of 3" flexwatt that run down the back. It is controlled by a VE300x2 controller with the temp sensor placed at the second shelve from the top and the second from the lowest shelve. Multiple PC fans are placed to create a circular airflow throughout the incubator to prevent hot or cool spots.
Our incubator is kept at 87 degrees. We have found that this temperature zone takes a few more days for the babies to hatch but helps with yolk absorption. We have had great success with our hatchlings at the lower incubation temperatures.
We no longer burp the containers in the last 5 days. Once we have eggs start to slit we will open the container to allow a moment for fresh air exchange and wipe off any excess moisture on the walls and lid of the containers.
Updated 2/2020
We prefer the suspension method as it ensures there will be plenty of moisture/humidity during the entire incubation process.
Containers:
8.5 Qt Keep Box PN 10030361 Container Store
We like these because of the depth that they provide and the lids have a sealing gasket built in. Our preference is to place four eggs in each container.
No holes
Medium:
Water - This is the main component in our medium setup. We keep gallon containers of water in the breeder room during egg season. This allows the water to be within a few degrees of the freshly laid eggs. It's our opinion that too cold or too warm of water can shock or even cook the eggs if not managed properly.
Other:
Eggcrate/Light diffuser is a plastic piece with holes in it. This can be found at the local home improvement stores in the lighting section. Cut to size as needed with wire cutters.
Deli cups with the bottoms cut off, these will act as "stilts" to firmly suspend the eggcrate and eggs above the water.
Mesh canvas
Container Setup:
Fill the egg container with four deli cups of water. The deli-cups that were prepped earlier will be placed with the bottom side down and then we place the eggcrate on the deli containers so that it sits flat. In our setup there is about 1.5 - 2 inches between the perlite and the bottom of the eggcrate.
Incubator:
Our unit is a converted Lab Cooler. It has two strips of 3" flexwatt that run down the back. It is controlled by a VE300x2 controller with the temp sensor placed at the second shelve from the top and the second from the lowest shelve. Multiple PC fans are placed to create a circular airflow throughout the incubator to prevent hot or cool spots.
Our incubator is kept at 87 degrees. We have found that this temperature zone takes a few more days for the babies to hatch but helps with yolk absorption. We have had great success with our hatchlings at the lower incubation temperatures.
We no longer burp the containers in the last 5 days. Once we have eggs start to slit we will open the container to allow a moment for fresh air exchange and wipe off any excess moisture on the walls and lid of the containers.
Updated 2/2020