Where to take incubator reading?

[MisterGribs]

When setting up a brooder or incubator with heat that radiates from under the eggs, where should the thermometer sensor be for accurate egg temperature?

On the point where the egg contacts the heat mat, or in the air somewhere? Near the top? Or the middle?

Should the heat mat be above the eggs instead of below the substrate?

[Dave]

This is based on many years growing seedlings in a commercial greenhouse, but I think the principles are the same:

If you're using a heat mat, don't put the eggs directly onto the mat. Raise them up a bit using a grill or something like that. They'll get un-evenly heated if placed directly on the mat.

The thermometer / sensor should be right amongst the eggs, or resting on the top of the eggs. If the sensor is too low, closer to the mat, you'll get a falsely high reading.

Are you adding humidity?

Good luck! Keep us informed, this is a good thread.

[Babs _Owner]

Dave

I use a brooder that radiates heat from the top so I measure my temperature at the top of their nesting material.

Use an incubator that keeps the heat consistent all around the eggs evenly. Remember you will still probably have a low hatch rate with finches.

[MisterGribs]

Dave I currently have an egg in there from the grocery store as testers! Lol. As for being directly on the heat mat, there is a thick layer of faux fur I am using as a substrate. There is nearly an inch of fabric separating the egg from the heat mat.

I don't have a fan in there, unfortunately.

Humidity is added via a slightly damp cloth in a separate container.
If you're interested, I'll post pictures of what I'm using a bit later. I'm currently still in bed.

[MisterGribs]

Babs The heat reads the same all around the floor and in the air, but I'm not sure which one is accurate or, as Dave said, giving a false reading.

I'm currently using a store bought chicken egg as a dummy, lol. No finch eggs yet, but just in case I have an emergency in the future (spring is coming up, lots of abandoned baby birds outside) I want to perfect my device so I can just turn it on and walk away.

Temp checking and adjusting those finch eggs just about killed me, lol. I was falling asleep standing up.

[ac12]

Gribs,

Are you talking about an incubator or brooder?
Incubator is for eggs, brooder for chicks. At least that is my understanding of the terms.

Saying abandoned baby birds is telling me brooder.
Which you will also need anyway, once the eggs hatch.

[MisterGribs]

ac12 well I'm asking about where to take the temp reading for eggs to be incubated. I have a separate brooder.