Lyons Incubator?

[eagleraventx]

I've inherited and antique Transparent Hen Lyons Rural Electric Company incubator. I don't think it has all the parts and there's no instruction manual. I hope someone can help. It's from the 1960s.

 

[Chickenmom283]

If it's that old, and you don't think it has all the parts, I wouldn't recommend using it. You could sell it, some people collect antiques, and buy a better, working one. However, if you don't want to sell it, there are a few other options:
Build one
Buy a cheaper, easier one to use
Borrow someone else's
Try to use the antique one??
I'm just saying, if there is no instructions or anything, I doubt it's safe to try to use it.

 

[kandyg_99]

I've inherited and antique Transparent Hen Lyons Rural Electric Company incubator. I don't think it has all the parts and there's no instruction manual. I hope someone can help. It's from the 1960s.

I Would At least Turn It On & See If It Works. It Looks Like It's The Wafer Type Which You Can Still Buy On Strombergs If You Need New Ones . I'd Give It A Try Anyway...

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I Would At least Turn It On & See If It Works. It Looks Like It's The Wafer Type Which You Can Still Buy On Strombergs If You Need New Ones . I'd Give It A Try Anyway...

x2. I'd test it out before giving it up.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

x2. I'd test it out before giving it up.

and welcome to BYC!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I don't think it has all the parts and there's no instruction manual. I

Hi there and welcome to BYC!

From what little I can see it looks like it has a wafer thermostat.. which are extremely reliable as well as often easy to replace! You may be able to find part IF needed at the following link.. If no wires are frayed or disconnections described hereafter, plug it in and see what happens..

https://incubatorwarehouse.com/

That thermostat is usually connected on one side to a heating element and the other side to the wall plug. Looks like that rod running around the top! The enclosure is the only thing left!

Recognizing that I'm a housewife and explaining in the simplest terms according to my experience.. uhm because that's all I know really.. so please ALWAYS use YOUR best judgement.

You will need a small well to add water for humidity.. (I use an old pill bottle) and something to set the eggs on (that base inside might be okay, Otherwise even a plastic dish might work or figure another way to make for easy clean up that's still slip resistant).. make sure to turn at least 3 times per day always odd number when possible rocking back and forth X----0 one on each side is how we mark the eggs to help remember which direction to rock.

You will need a thermometer to measure temperature at the top of the egg.. if NO fan then 101.5- 102 is good. With a fan then 99.5 is recommended.. Humidity around 45% for first 18 days.. stop turning and raise humidity to 65% ish.. for days 18-21.. Hatch should occur on day 21 IF other parameters were met!.

I've seen a Lyon's bator on CL farm and garden for over a year now priced at $160.. looks like it might hold 8-12 chicken eggs.. I'd try one out for free.. but does it actually sick 120 watts of juice?? my newer bators are closer to 50-60 watts.. half the electricity IS a long term factor for myself..

Hope this helps a little, and happy chicken adventures!

 

[jher77]

Something doesn't look right to me about the thermostat. The wafer thermostat acts like an air bellows that presses on a microswitch which cuts off the electricity to the heating unit.

It looks like you have two wafers (air bellows) and no switch. Plus I do not see any wiring going to that part. Also looks like an 8 penny nail is holding it together. It could be the angle of the picture, maybe. Got another pic of the thermostat area?