Power outage expected

[ValkerieGunn]

So tomorrow we are expecting 70+ mph winds. The power company is shutting off power as a preventive measure. With no idea when they will turn it back on. So what do I need material wise to keep my incubator warm. I have 12 eggs on day 10 today. I don't want to loose them. Days are averaging 70° and nights 30-40°. I have no generator and everyone I know is inside the shut off zone so I can't just go visit somebody. Any ideas would be welcome. I have time to do a shopping run if needed before it all goes out.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hand warmers and hot water bottles are what we have for such an occasion. Put the hand warmers in a sock so no egg is touching one directly.

I would insulate the incubator with quilts, but they still have to breath so try keep it loose around one of the vents.

If you have a thermos, rinse it with hot water, then fill it up with hot water and wrap it in a towel to help it stay hot. You can use that to refill a water bottle later.

If you have an Insta Pot or pressure cooker, you could boil water in those, keep them sealed, and they'll keep hot water hot for a long time. I'd wrap those in towels too to keep them better insulated.

 

[ValkerieGunn]

Hand warmers and hot water bottles are what we have for such an occasion. Put the hand warmers in a sock so no egg is touching one directly.

I would insulate the incubator with quilts, but they still have to breath so try keep it loose around one of the vents.

If you have a thermos, rinse it with hot water, then fill it up with hot water and wrap it in a towel to help it stay hot. You can use that to refill a water bottle later.

If you have an Insta Pot or pressure cooker, you could boil water in those, keep them sealed, and they'll keep hot water hot for a long time. I'd wrap those in towels too to keep them better insulated.

Thank you! I'm just on the edge of the zone so we may or may not be included in it but I want to be prepared instead of reactive. Thankfully we have a fire place and camping gear so I can heat water again after I use the thermos. We also have a brand new box of hardwarmers that are 18 hours. I guess I need to go get a hot water bottle.

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you! I'm just on the edge of the zone so we may or may not be included in it but I want to be prepared instead of reactive. Thankfully we have a fire place and camping gear so I can heat water again after I use the thermos. We also have a brand new box of hardwarmers that are 18 hours. I guess I need to go get a hot water bottle.

In case you do lose power, the impact the temp change on the eggs will be very gradual, which is good, plus they aren't going to get cold. I've heard of two cases recently where incubators were inadvertently unplugged or a power outage for nearly 24 hrs, and in both cases, if I recall they all hatched anyway. Amazing little buggers chicks are!

 

[ValkerieGunn]

In case you do lose power, the impact the temp change on the eggs will be very gradual, which is good, plus they aren't going to get cold.

Thank you. Hopefully I get lucky. At least I know my handwarmers work for chicks and they have some feathers and enough of them to help. Now time to find some blankets the kids haven't stolen for their fort.

 

[Island Coppers]

ValkerieGunn,​

If you're careful you could heat bricks or rocks in your fire place. Place them beneath the incubator, on something non flammable. Admittedly a bit tricky but they hold heat well. Please don't melt anything.

 

[ValkerieGunn]

ValkerieGunn,​

If you're careful you could heat bricks or rocks in your fire place. Place them beneath the incubator, on something non flammable. Admittedly a bit tricky but they hold heat well. Please don't melt anything.

I'll stick to hand warmers and hot water bottles. I still have power for now but I won't use the fire place today. The wind is horrendous and as we are under fire watch. The wind already busted open the back gate.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

How many eggs do you have? Does a neighbor have a broody you could sneak them under? You can mark them with pencil or sharpie so you know which are yours.

It's not ideal, but it's just something I thought of.

 

[ValkerieGunn]

How many eggs do you have? Does a neighbor have a broody you could sneak them under? You can mark them with pencil or sharpie so you know which are yours.

It's not ideal, but it's just something I thought of.

My neighbor and I both have eggs in our incubators because we will be trading some chicks when they hatch. Unfortunately her usual broody hen is not broody right now which is why she is incubating. I have no broody hens. They just drop an egg and go.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

My neighbor and I both have eggs in our incubators because we will be trading some chicks when they hatch. Unfortunately her usual broody hen is not broody right now which is why she is incubating. I have no broody hens. They just drop an egg and go.

That's a bummer. I wish you the best with the hand warmers and hot water bottles!