Humidity levels in Hovabator 1588

My temp runs 99.5 to 100 on the command center of the incubator. I have tested with various other thermometers and get readings from 97 up to 102 at different areas inside the incubator. I go by my hatches, as long as they hatch on time I leave it be. If I start noticing chicks are pipping/hatching early or late I will adjust the temperature control.
 
I received 33 eggs from My Pet Chicken. 13 of them hatched. I kept the Humidity at 40 to 45% during the first 18 days but had trouble getting it above. 60% from day 18 on. The chicks hatched a day early which means my inside temp was higher than the reading on the panel. But they are doing well and already a week and a half old.




Some were born on Christmas eve,
a great Christmas Present







 
I had some hatch on day 20 the last hatch as well. It doesn't necessarily mean your temp is too high. I think one of mine actually hatched "on time" and the others hatched a day early. Chicks can be born between days 19 and 23 days. It just depends on the genetics of the breed. If you consistently have chicks to hatch early then you can reduce your temp maybe 0.5 degrees each setting until you get your desired temp or use several thermometers inside your incubator and see what your average temperature is running before adjusting the temp. My temp averages from 99-102 inside my incubator, but the thermometer that reads 102 is a basal body temp thermometer for taking temps to determine ovulation, so it is really sensitive. I stick it down through the vent hole so it measures the temp at the top of the bator where I imagine it is hottest due to warm air rising. My other thermometers measure around 99-100 degrees at the level of the turner and bottom of the incubator which I'm happy with. If I continue to have early hatches I may start slowly reducing the temp until I hit that sweet spot. lol

Your chicks are so adorable! I have more going into lockdown tomorrow. Hoping for a good hatch rate! They are Marans with very dark shells, so I have been running my humidity in the 30's. Will bump it up to 60-70% when I get an internal pip. This is my first "dry hatch" so we'll see.
 
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