Old Galvanized Incubator

[amysue2012]

Does anyone use the old galvanized incubators? I've come across one I think its called a Brower Incubator Model No. 845. Ive been trying to research it on the net and the about the only thing I can find out is that its discontinued but some online stores sell replacement parts. It seems to be working ok I figured out how to regulate temp.

Just wonder if anyone uses one or if anyone has any opinions on them.

 

[jvls1942]

I have one.. I found that you cannot fit an automatic turner into it.. therefore I do not use it anymore.. If you do not mind turning eggs by hand, it is a good bator.. you might have to make sure your wafer is in good shape so the temp stays fairly constant.

do not pay much for it, if you have not bought it already.. I just bought mine for $25.oo.. I was after parts, with no intention of using it..

we had one 35 years ago that we got 100% hatches with..

 

[UrbanMama]

You could always use it for a hatcher if you want to stagger hatches....I can never pass up a bator!

That's why #3 is on it's way!

 

[DutchChic]

My mother is using one that she had bought brand new back in the day. She pulled it out of storage and ended up having to replace everything, but it is working like a dream just like it did when she used it for cockatiels years ago. She was able to get a turner for it by calling Brower. Those old Browers were made to last.

 

[kodiakchicken]

I've got a Brower 846. Got it at a garage sale a year ago ($10), never used, and put eggs in it two weeks ago. The eggs are growing perfectly! I have hand-turned them and don't mind doing it. For first hatches I think it makes it more personal.

Replacement wafer thermometers can be found online for about $15. Just search for wafer thermometers.

Give it a shot. I love using something so old and having it work so well. My hatch is due on the 7th of November.

 

[jvls1942]

that idea for using one for a hatcher is a good one..

I had a double wafer around here.
It was two wafers soldered together.. the reaction time from hot to cold was quicker with it so the temp stayed more constant..

I wonder if that kind is still available.....???

 

[amysue2012]

Well it was a free-bee got it out of a friends old barn...cant beat free! I got the heat to regulate just fine but Im having trouble getting the humidity up Ive got two hygrometers one says 35% and the other says 25% (this one is a cheepy $2-$3 from Walmart). Ive got a little bowl of water in the bottom what else could I do other than just add a damp cloth? Is the humidity really that important all the way through? Or just after day 18?

This one also has the double waffer.

 

[jvls1942]

I always have trouble with humidity even in my little giants and hovabators..

my biggest problem is measuring humidity.. I finally found a hygrometer that I use.. I am not 100% convinced that it is correct, but my hatches are OK with using it.. I also have a ton of thermometers.. I can put 4 of them into a bator and get 4 different readings..

what I finally ended up using is a digital food thermometer from Fleet & Farm..

It has a probe so I can move from one bator to the next easily .. I often have 6 to 8 bators going at a time..

I read on here where people just raise or lower their humidity at a whim..

what are they using for humidity??

I want one..

..jiminwisc.......

 

[DutchChic]

You can test your hygrometers to see if they are reading accurate or not. I posted a thread telling how.... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=101416

 

[jvls1942]

dutch chick, how long ago did your Mother get that turner for the brower?? is the bator one of those round ones?? I did not know they made turners for them..

...jiminwisc....