From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Garner, NC

We have alot of chickens and currently we are incubating eggs, and it gave me a great idea. Could you not use the incubator to start seeds in the spring. I am assuming if you set the temp to 85-88 degree's and applied a light it would be a mini growth chamber, not to mention it has a channel in the bottom for water to add humidity in the chamber. MMM, I think you have chickens, I would love to see if you have ever tried this or if you think it would work. Later

1/19/2010 9:48:01 AM

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

I use an egg incubator to start my seeds every spring. It works great and you can set the temp to whatever you want for your particular seed. I use the wet paper towel in plastic bag method so you can fit a lot of seeds in it too.

1/19/2010 2:01:48 PM

Crossett Arkansas

I use one and it works great. However, be ready to take them out once they come up!!! I had to work a double shift at work and lost two plants when the cots hit the element.Mike

1/19/2010 4:00:58 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

I also have at times used my Brower incubator to start seeds. I have to remember to lift it off the twist arm or the plants get dizzy. :-)

Remember to push up the humidity so things do not dry out so much.

1/20/2010 10:13:39 AM

Corbin, KY

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=103170

Worked great for me. filed and soaked, wrapped in damp paper towel. couple days they had germed. I will do again.

1/20/2010 11:34:20 AM

Long Island,New York

I use a reptile egg incubator these days.

1/20/2010 5:00:26 PM

Corryton, TN

I used mine last year while incubating eggs with the temp at 99. This is higher than most would recomend. I did the zip-lok "damp" paper towel method for both watermelons and pumpkins for seed popping only. Watch them carefully. If you leave them beyond the initial pop, the root hairs can become entangled in the paper towel. Transplant quickly. Worked great for me.

1/20/2010 5:51:00 PM

sevierville, Tn

99, wow, i would have thought that would be too high. Did you have good germ rate ?

1/21/2010 3:41:09 PM

Lexington,IN

I think Bill Edwards told me he runs his at a higher temp than 100. I'll have to ask him the next time we talk. I had a terrible time germing seeds the last time I grew, (in 2004) and asked him how he did it. He uses the incubator and wet paper towel inside a bag. I've got to try something different this year. What's the differance between a reptile and chicken incubator G? On another note, I'd like to know if I can give you a call sometime smoky mtn pumpkin? I think I have your number, if the last three digits are 007. THANKS, Dewight...

1/27/2010 1:07:51 AM

Garner, NC

Hey guys, thanks for the advice on using the bator for starting seeds, Hopefully it will be easier than trying to get the darn eggs to hacth. On on my second run of eggs and hoping for better luck this time.
About how long does it take for the seed to germinate inside the incubator? Once thaey break to seed how long do you leave them in before moving them to a pot? Thanks

1/27/2010 9:29:07 AM

sevierville, Tn

Dewight, sure just not at the time you post ! LOL

1/27/2010 12:12:25 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

Ice Man - Do you need hints on getting eggs to hatch? I once had someone send me a list of 10 things that if you do any one of them the chicks die. I had honestly violated 7 of the ten.

1/27/2010 5:06:58 PM

Long Island,New York

What's the differance between a reptile and chicken incubator G? No idea.

1/27/2010 7:21:26 PM

Corryton, TN

Germ rate on watermelons was about 80% but not very consistent on number of days. Usually 2-5. I found that leaving a little air in the bag seemed to work better and drier was better than too wet. I've got my incubator running and I've got plenty of seeds from my 2009 mellons so I'll run a test and post the results in a few days.

1/27/2010 7:27:35 PM

Garner, NC

Hey MMM,, I don't want to change to subject on this thread but I do need some help with the chicks. The first batch was a total loss, I let the eggs go 24days and nothing. At day 8 when I candled it seeded everything was stuck to one side of the egg and never developed any futher. This time I have 36 eggs in and trying to turn eggs 3-4 times per day. The first batch I only turned once per day which was a big problem I'm sure.
If you have that magically list of no-no's please e-mail before I go to much further doing wrong. Thanks Todd
iceoccasions@bellsouth.net
Hey brotherdave, looking forward too seeing how your test run goes, please post the results, as I hope to run a test hopefully in about 3 weeks. Thanks

1/28/2010 9:18:28 AM

Corryton, TN

Ice Man e-mail me, I might can help with chicks. brotherdave01@aol.com

1/28/2010 11:57:34 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I sent a list of tips to Ice Man on incubating chicks. I hope that helps.

1/28/2010 5:09:23 PM

Garner, NC

Thanks brotherdave and MMM for the e-mails, I'll keep ya'll posted on how things are going.

1/29/2010 9:15:05 AM