I know if anybody can help you guys can. I have a HOVA-BATOR incubator model 1602n and have lost the distructions ;) heres what I remember 1 keep the temp at 98 or so 2 remove the 2 plugs in top after the first 3 days 3 remove the eggs from the automatic turner 2 days befor hatching. 4 keep little end of egg down and at a slight angle.

please add to or correct me on this folks. thanks

-- lee lynn (dusty29541@yahoo.com), April 25, 2001

Answers

I don't have the automatic turner but the 2 plugs are removed near the time the eggs will hatch.This allows the chicks to dry after they hatch by allowing extra moisture to evaporate

-- SM Steve (A12goat@cs.com), April 25, 2001.

Our incubator says temp is supposed to be 99.5 degrees. Turn eggs 2 to 3 times daily till the 18th day. Do not disturb eggs after the 18th day. Keep humidity chambers filled. Remove hatched chickens all at once, anytime after they are completely dry. They can stay in the incubator for up to 24 hours.

Blessings, Maylene

-- Maylene (zedanka@aol.com), April 25, 2001.

This is what we do: All our eggs go into the trays small end down. We use 99.5 for incubators with fans and I've heard to use 101 for still air models. We fill both water trays on day 18. We also remove the eggs from the turner on day 18. We remove the plugs when the first egg pips.

This site indicates that if you are using a turner with a still air you use a lower temp than if you are hand turning. http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/eggs/res19-opincubator.html

-- Trisha-MN (tank@linkup.net), April 25, 2001.

We have the "Circulated Air Model", fancy for "has the fan". Temp is supposed to be 99.5 degrees, but you have to have better eyes than I to cut it that fine on the thermometer that came with it, and I have very good eyes! It says to keep water in small trough only until day 18 (for chickens - actually they say 3 days before hatch). If using the automatic turner, remove that at the same time. As concerns the vent plugs, it says to remove the back plug 3 days after setting eggs. After adding water to both troughs 3 days before hatch, the instructions are to remove the front plug IF DROPS OF WATER APPEAR ON THE WINDOWS. If you like, I will copy the instructions for you. e- mail direct if you would want that. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), April 25, 2001.

got it under controll now thanks folks. I knew I could depend on this forum.

-- lee lynn (dusty29541@yahoo.com), April 25, 2001.

I have not turned my eggs at all. I have heard that turning eggs doesn't make that much of a difference. I have a fan in mine and keep the temperature at 99.5. I have had good hatches but they do seem a little damp. I may try removeing the red tabs next time, it may help.

Tom S.

-- Tom S. (trdsshepard@yahoo.com), April 26, 2001.

I own a forced air fan incubator and an automatic egg turner I leave the plugs in and don't take out the auto egg turner and I have a 98% hatchabiltiy rate and keep hatch records to keep up with my chickens

-- greg hargett (birdthehunter@aol.com), August 28, 2001.