Newbie incubation question.

Ok it's my first year breeding and a few of my girls are getting huge and went few ovulation a month back so i have a few questions.

Firstly how long after ovulation do bp's normally lay?
Secondly when you introduce the eggs into the media inside the egg box is it not initially to cold for the eggs? Do i need to warm up media before adding the eggs to it?

Thanks in advance and sorry about the generic "newbie question" :P

Kuma

Hi,

We normally take the count from the pre-lay shed that happens after ovulation.

There is still some variation but mine seem to go around 32-35 days after that shed.

I use a plastic grid on top of the incubation medium ( the so called substrateless method ) rather than bedding them down in it but you shouldn't run into any problems as long as your incubator has been up and running so the temps inside are stable and tested.

Hope this helps. :)

you should do test runs with the incubator anyway :)

and when you get a clutch and dont have substrate prepared, just do it with warm water.

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Firstly how long after ovulation do bp's normally lay?

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45 days is the average. I have had females go 60+ days.

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Secondly when you introduce the eggs into the media inside the egg box is it not initially to cold for the eggs? Do i need to warm up media before adding the eggs to it?

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You can use warm water, personally I don't put my eggs in any substrate ;)

I use water for my GTP eggs. Does anyone do this for BP eggs? I've heard it works just as well from one or two people.

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Originally Posted by Mickeyblueyes

I use water for my GTP eggs. Does anyone do this for BP eggs? I've heard it works just as well from one or two people.

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from what i gathered, if you use a grid to keep the eggs above the substrate (or water), then you can use substrate, or very wet substrate, or water. then its all about the humidity of the air. and when the eggs touch the substrate, it shouldnt be too wet or too dry.

people seem to have success with all kinds of methods. the important thing seems to be correct temperature and humidity. and other things, if you seperate all eggs or keep some together, or what substrate to use, or substrateless, seem to be a matter of personal preference.

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Originally Posted by Mickeyblueyes

I use water for my GTP eggs. Does anyone do this for BP eggs? I've heard it works just as well from one or two people.

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It does however the problem with using water is that it will slosh around which is an issue.

You can use water crystals ;) (no sloshing)

I have my incubator up and running at 89f and I'm using hatch rite as media since I'm only having 2/3 clutches and I didn' t want to take any risks with water/media percentages

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And thanks All for the advice it's given me peace of mind:)

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I use hatchrite and still put the grid on top...i'm a little late but i'd also say just get that puppy up n running so that the temp and humidity is already on point before the eggs go in.

good luck!!!

We have our incubator set at 89° and always warm up a few boxes a couple weeks before laying. We use vermiculite 1:1 ratio to water by weight. Usually 250 grams vermiculite and 250 grams water. We sit the eggs straight into the vermiculite no problem.

wont the media dry out if u put it in the incubator before you put the eggs in?
Also my girls had what i assume was their pre lay shed on the 15th and 30th of January, and look insanely huge now so am i right in saying they should be laying soon?

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Originally Posted by KingKuma

wont the media dry out if u put it in the incubator before you put the eggs in?

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I get the egg tub ready to go, complete with the Glad Press n Seal and the lid. That way I can monitor it for a few days to make sure it's retaining humidity before the eggs go into it.

I'm using rubs that are airtight so I don't need press and seal do I?

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Even if they are not air tight in most cases there is no need for glad press and seal. My tubs are not air tight and I have never use it.

Part of the process is to learn as you go and see what works in your situation.


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Is it generally recommended to have a grid set up above the substrate for incubation? Or is that just a personal choice? Pros and cons?

And are we talking the plastic, "diffuser" grid stuff that is often used for false bottoms (that you get at Home Depot/Lowes?)

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Kourtneyhk

Is it generally recommended to have a grid set up above the substrate for incubation? Or is that just a personal choice? Pros and cons?

And are we talking the plastic, "diffuser" grid stuff that is often used for false bottoms (that you get at Home Depot/Lowes?)

Thanks!

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The diffuser are light diffuser from Home Depot.

Using those is one of those personal choices, it's all about finding what works for you.


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The diffuser grid is used for substrateless method where you can use water only or very wet substrate as long as it doesn't touch the eggs.

The substrate method would be vermiculite mixed with water on a 1:1 ratio by weight. Bury the eggs half way in a tub of 2" mixture. You can also use hatchrite instead of manually mixing. You may also use the diffuser grid with this method.
Place the mixture or unopened hatchrite in the incubator a few weeks before egg laying so you can monitor and calibrate your temps.

Humidity will hold using both methods, no need to add holes in the egg tubs, you open the tubs every 3 days to check on the eggs and for air exchange.