GQF 1200 series

[audiomilk]

Ok, so I was given the opportunity to buy a cabinet incubator (from a couple that used to raise ostriches) for a price I couldn't turn down; I didn't know the brand or condition, so I took the chance, and so far couldn't be happier. We already have a Hovabator 1588 with auto turner and had great success with it. Back to the big dog, come to find out it's a (I'm pretty sure) GQF 1202A sportsman, but didn't have the auto turner option. Looks like out would hold 3 trays of eggs (which looks like I'm gonna have to make?) And 2 wire baskets that hold chicks once they are hatched out. I filled a water tub (it came with 2 white ones) up last night and sick the thermometer wick in it (I was sure this was for wet bulb temp (humidity)) and turned it on. After about an hour I had it steady at 99.5°. So I figured I'm about ready to take it for a test run, after I figure out how to make trays for it.
Was wondering if anyone has one of these lockers and had make trays as well - and if anyone has any tips, tricks, secrets, or suggestions to running a incubator like this, since I'm so used to my little Hovabator. Thank you in advance. Don't know why the 1st pic got inserted 4 times - sorry

pics included

 

[R2elk]

Ok, so I was given the opportunity to buy a cabinet incubator (from a couple that used to raise ostriches) for a price I couldn't turn down; I didn't know the brand or condition, so I took the chance, and so far couldn't be happier. We already have a Hovabator 1588 with auto turner and had great success with it. Back to the big dog, come to find out it's a (I'm pretty sure) GQF 1202A sportsman, but didn't have the auto turner option. Looks like out would hold 3 trays of eggs (which looks like I'm gonna have to make?) And 2 wire baskets that hold chicks once they are hatched out. I filled a water tub (it came with 2 white ones) up last night and sick the thermometer wick in it (I was sure this was for wet bulb temp (humidity)) and turned it on. After about an hour I had it steady at 99.5°. So I figured I'm about ready to take it for a test run, after I figure out how to make trays for it.
Was wondering if anyone has one of these lockers and had make trays as well - and if anyone has any tips, tricks, secrets, or suggestions to running a incubator like this, since I'm so used to my little Hovabator. Thank you in advance. Don't know why the 1st pic got inserted 4 times - sorryView attachment 1251722 pics includedView attachment 1251722View attachment 1251722 View attachment 1251722 View attachment 1251723 View attachment 1251724 View attachment 1251725

It is a GQF but it is not an incubator. It is a hatcher. The incubators do not have the tray holders attached to the sides of the cabinet, instead the tray holders are built into the turner that the incubators come with.

You can find parts for the GQF cabinet incubators and hatchers.

http://www.gqfmfg.com/cabinet-model-parts/

 

[audiomilk]

It has holders on the sides that a tray could slide onto. But there's no supports, mount holes or mirror for turners. Since the temp and humidity get high enough and can be maintained, couldn't I use this as an incubator as long as the eggs are turned 2x a day?

 

[feedman77]

It has holders on the sides that a tray could slide onto. But there's no supports, mount holes or mirror for turners. Since the temp and humidity get high enough and can be maintained, couldn't I use this as an incubator as long as the eggs are turned 2x a day?

Yes you can use as incubator and turn manually.

What you have is a model 1250.

I bought on awhile ago but haven't had chance to use it .
yet

 

[audiomilk]

Got real lucky and picked it up for $50. Just gotta figure out how to make trays...

 

[R2elk]

It has holders on the sides that a tray could slide onto. But there's no supports, mount holes or mirror for turners. Since the temp and humidity get high enough and can be maintained, couldn't I use this as an incubator as long as the eggs are turned 2x a day?

You can use it as an incubator if you hand turn the eggs. The recommendation is to turn the eggs a minimum of 3 times daily with studies proving that the more frequently the eggs are turned the better it is for them. The reason to turn an odd number of times daily is so that the eggs will not sit through the night on the same side every night.

You can probably buy a turner for it but you would have to contact GQF to find out for sure.

 

[R2elk]

Got real lucky and picked it up for $50. Just gotta figure out how to make trays...

GQF sells the trays.

 

[feedman77]

That is a deal.
1/2 inch hardware cloth (coated) cut to fit. Stapled to 1x2.

They sell new ones but I think they about 30 to 40 each tray.

 

[feedman77]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAEegQICxAB&usg=AOvVaw1KpuvEAq1xXTIW7h1L-0hF

Here' a link to the tray

 

[audiomilk]

Their toes will be ok with 1/2"? What do you mean by 'coated'?