I've just built an experimental incubator. <bored!>

[TheDuchessOfNorksBride]

Neither hen in the broody coop is broody. They've had a nest with 7 china eggs in it for a couple of days and they're not in the least bit interested.

So I've constructed a rather basic incubator. It involves a plastic tub (ex-horse food additive size), an inch thick layer of oasis soaked in water which I've covered with punctured bubble-wrap and on top of that is a nest of hay and 4, hopefully fertile, eggs that I collected earlier in the week. I'll turn the eggs 4 or 5 times a day. The incubator is sat on the back of the Aga which is the right temperature (atm).

I've also put a piece of pipe vertically in the box so I can top the water up every other day or so without having to lift the nest up. [ingenious emoticon]

The whole thing took about 10 minutes. And since I had the eggs ready it seemed a waste not to try. I've read several "hatched on the aga" stories recently and I'm intrigued!

I'm still going to buy an R-Com though as I don't think aga-hatching will be terribly reliable!

Oh lordy, I sound just like my FIL.

I have not heard of Aga hatched chicks but am fascinated now and your incubator sounds pretty nifty -wish I thought of that before going daft and getting the Brinsea one.
A friend once successfully hatched a goose egg by keeping it between her ample bosoms - on the day of hatching, I might add.

I turned the eggs this morning, they're nice and warm but I think they're a bit damp. Do incubators get small amounts of condensation? Or have I fallen at the first hurdle?

i havnt had any eggs at all yet. am thus unqualified to comment on your efforts.

Are you able to get a hygrometer Duch?
this might be useful

My first attempt at incubation with the Brinsea was a real hit or miss attempt as I loaded it with water and then forgot to keep topping it up about midway through the incubation stage. Then panic and more water....the chicks hatched perfectly well, probably to show me what a clutz I was.
Have now invested in the hygrometer for the next batch. They are not very dear but I wish I'd chosen the digital one.

will you keep the new chicks indoors under special lights when they hatch? how long for?

If they hatch I'll keep them indoors in a round polystyrene box thing I've found, with a lamp over the top, for at least 3 weeks depending on the weather. Or if the eggs look hopeful at 14 days I might invest in an electric hen - they're only about £40. And I'll need one for when I have a proper incubator.

With my hovabator it says if condensatio appears to open the vents so condensation is bad. Apparently too liitle humidity is better than too much until the last few days when you stop turning. Then they need lots.

I've only just seen this - you are very clever. hope it works.

When are they due to hatch?

This is only the 3rd day and I'm not candling tomorrow - will leave it until 7 days. Due on 9 May I think but they're big Sussex eggs.

I sorted the condensation problem yesterday by leaving the lid of the box off slightly at one side (so that fits with your proper advice!). I've also covered the eggs with a layer of hay to absorb any excess rising moisture.

It all sounds very technical and involved. Bet it doesn't bloody work!

One of the hens in the broody is half-broody - sitting & pecking me and then coming out for ages.

How's Lulu?

gentleotter - missed your 1st post yesterday. Hygrometer. Good idea! I'm going to Scats tomorrow so I'll see if they have one, otherwise I'll order one online.

Lulu is still sitting on her replacement eggs. She was very cross for a bit yesterday.

I have stopped turning my incy eggs and am hoping for a hatch on Weds/Thurs. Then Lulu can have a couple of chicks (we had to do this to her last time).

I was worried that she might be ill having been broody for an extra week but she comes off twice a day and eats and drinks and she seems ok.

Bugger it. I've just candled the eggs and they're all baaad.

I am now in process of buying an R-Com 20 - had a good look at one at Scats this morning (PPH is right, they are pretty) but it still had a £245 price tag and I know from looking on the web last night that R-Com, P&T Poultry etc have them for less than £200 now. So not extravagant at all.