Over
the 15 or so years that I have been incubating eggs and hand rearing chicks, I
have used and considered many incubators and brooders. Some models have been
very basic while others have had many high-tech features, but not all the
incubators ‘brooded’ the eggs in the same way.
Prior
to the 2003 breeding season I decided to upgrade my incubators. As I had been
using two small brooders supplied by Incubators
and More as
‘first-stage brooders’ for the past couple of years, I enquired as to what
types of units they may be able to supply. It was suggested that I try a new
model recently added to their range and provide them with feedback throughout
the season, plus a product review at the end of evaluation.
The
unit acquired was the IMST70AEH, which is at the top end of the range of
incubators, but at a cost appropriate for its features and construction. I
consider it value for money. Taking into consideration the number of eggs
incubated over a breeding season and the importance I place on some of the
species incubated, it was necessary that this unit be able to provide me with
security in operating stability and reliability.
I
found the overall construction reasonably robust, the finish acceptable and the
success rate fine, considering the extremely poor breeding season experienced
Australia-wide. So that I could monitor the workings of the incubator I removed
the solid top and replaced it with clear perspex, enabling me to view how the
temperature and humidity were controlled.
The
two trays are fitted with adjustable rollers and are able to hold up to 70
chicken eggs, which obviously equates to many more parrot eggs. These rollers
are fitted with rubber O-rings, which prevent the eggs from creeping along the
rollers as they turn over a period of time. I chose to use the bottom tray for
incubating. I removed the rollers from the top tray and used this for hatching
the eggs.
A
digital controller regulates the temperature. I found this to be very accurate,
crosschecking it with an extra thermometer/hygrometer placed inside the unit
with the eggs. A wide range of temperature adjustments are available, with the
opportunity to set the high temperature alarm to your requirements. If the
temperature reaches this alarm setting there is an audible alarm and the unit
automatically shuts off the heat source.
Water
for the supply of humidity is held in a stainless-steel tank with an external
water-level indicator and fill point. This is also regulated automatically by a
digital controller and may be set at whatever percentage you require. Provided
you maintain water in the tank low humidity should never be a problem. However
should the humidity rise too high above your desired setting, there is a safety
setting with an exhaust fan to remove the excess moisture.
I
found the humidity generally worked well within my set parameters. However
during one week of unusually high natural humidity, the incubator struggled to
maintain the correct humidity level, even with the air-conditioner on. There was
really nothing I could do about this and I considered that if I was experiencing
trouble, so too were the incubating hens in the aviaries outside.
The
eggs may be turned automatically or manually, whatever you desire. I used the
automatic facility which was controlled by a small manual clock-type mechanism.
However, the new units are now fitted with digital controllers that are
adjustable and allow you to count down from last turn to the next. This is a
great idea if you want to check and watch the eggs turning.
Should
the fan cease operating for whatever reason there is also an audible fan-off
alarm. Basically this takes care of all variables that may cause concern in the
operation of the unit, that is of course apart from losing power.
The
basic incubator for parrot egg incubation is the 35RTA which provides one
rolling tray and one hatching tray. Temperature is controlled by an electronic
thermostat with a spirit thermometer. Humidity is provided by a water tray and
regulated by adjusting the covers on the air vents. Automatic turning with a
digital timer is standard.
Although
I have only used the smaller brooders, I found them to do all that is required
of them and would assume that the larger units would provide the same qualities.
A
brand-new product is a small ‘Cold Light Egg Candler’ which works very well.
(A similar unit was available some years ago) This battery-operated candler
produces minimal heat and has an extended wand so that eggs can be inspected in
the nest without removing them.
