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Post by Cluck N Waddle on Oct 23, 2008 16:38:06 GMT 8
Im sitting here listening to the thunder around us and just had a horrible thought. I've never really worried about it before but now Im thinking what would I do with my lil day old chickies down in the brooder if the power went out? What would you guys do? Hot water bottle in a cardboard box? God forbid I go to bed tonight and the power goes out while Im asleep
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Post by Duck Diva on Oct 23, 2008 17:11:27 GMT 8
Hi Steph, i was thinking the same thing as you but about the incubator Im getting next week! The power went off her today for about 10 mins. But sometimes it goes out for ages. Not lately though. Maybe you could pop them into bed with you lol Seriously though, I would like to know what people do with their incubators if the power goes off for an extended period? Any thoughts, experiences?
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Post by Cluck N Waddle on Oct 23, 2008 19:21:11 GMT 8
I havent experienced a power outage with the incubator yet either. I think that eggs can hold their core temperature for about 2 hours (i might be wrong though) so it may be ok if it were only for an hour or so but longer...hmmm maybe you could put a couple of water bottles of hot water in the bator with the eggs? Maybe wrap the incubator in some towels to try to insulate it a bit? Might be a bit of a fire hazard though I guess
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Post by Duck Diva on Oct 23, 2008 21:53:44 GMT 8
I just talked to mum and she said that, to put a blanket or whatever over the incubator to keep the warmth in. What do you think about a mad dash to the hospital to plug it in??? Reckon theyd mind?? lol
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Post by horses7 on Oct 24, 2008 5:58:06 GMT 8
We have had quite a few power outages the last few months for a fews hours at a time due to maintenance!!!!! , I cover mine in sleeping bags, and everything still seems to be OK, the only thing I worries me is if I have to go out and the power comes back on when I am gone and the incubators get to HOT as the eggs can only take being too hot for a short time
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Post by fluffychook on Oct 24, 2008 8:18:50 GMT 8
I was told to do the blanket thing too. My incubator was off for hours recently and I still have a viable hatch due on Tuesday of ducklings. Time will tell if they are going to be ok. But from what I have read, many people have success even if less with power outages.
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Post by Cluck N Waddle on Oct 24, 2008 9:34:36 GMT 8
Yes sounds like the blankets are a good idea for the incubator. Im thinking for the brooder I might buy some sort of inverter thingy so that if the power goes out I can just plug my brooder light into a car battery until the power comes back on.
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Post by Duck Diva on Oct 24, 2008 20:39:54 GMT 8
Hi guys, just been reading about how to make a cold brooder on the backyard Poultry forum. This is an interesting idea. Has anyone made one of these before? Might be good if the waethers warmer, not for winter and early spring. What do you think guys? heres the link forum.backyardpoultry.com/viewtopic.php?t=7955683
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Post by Duck Diva on Oct 24, 2008 20:40:38 GMT 8
Dyslexic typing! Had a couple of galsses of wine lol :0
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Post by genuinesqueak on Oct 24, 2008 21:39:08 GMT 8
I made one just recently and they are great! Although mine were 5 weeks old and only used it for a couple of days before they decided just sleeping out of it was better. But it would be perfect for a power outage
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Post by fizzle on Oct 26, 2008 20:12:04 GMT 8
Hi, the cold brooder in the link was mine. Worked a treat & was very warm. If made properly the chicks generate alot of heat & if you can retain that heat theres' no reason why it couldn't be used in cooler weather. Make one & try the chicks in it with the addition of a thermometer. I used a digital indoor outdoor one with a temp probe on a long wire. I could check the temp without disturbing the babies. As for power outages. The last one I had with the bator was 6 hours. I knew about it in advance so I put a warm hot water bottle in the bottom of the incubator the night before. No blankets or towels etc. The ned result was no different for the loss of power. I've since put a large ice brick (not frozen obviously) in the bottom of my incubator as thats' all I have room for & it helps keep the temp stable.
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