Humidity question

I am getting hatching eggs tomorrow and have been testing my home made incubator for the past few days. I had it in the kitchen,but kept getting moisture on lid. I have a plexiglass window on top. I moved it in the dining room,it's warmer in there than in the kitchen. I believe there was condensation on the lid. Anyways,I have my temp stable at 101,its a still air incubator. The humidity is at 40% i have a sponge in a tin foil tray inside,as well as a bit under the tray. It's dryer in the main house,probably due to the blue flame heater. This should be perfect for the first 18 says,but how do I increase the humidity up to at least 60 for lockdown? If i close off 3 of the 4 vents it gets only about 49% but 104 temp.

Humidity is better controlled with surface area than water volume. Try more sponges.

ChickenCanoe said:

Humidity is better controlled with surface area than water volume. Try more sponges.

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This is my setup. Where would I put any extra sponges? Will it still be as effective if i put 2 in the foil tray?

Stack them or stand them on sides.

ChickenCanoe said:

Stack them or stand them on sides.

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Thanks,i'll test it today

Don't close off the vents (even if it didn't increase the temp) as they will need more oxygen towards the end of incubation.

In my own personal experience paper towels works better than a sponge, put the ends in the water with the rest out of water, this will wick up water and should increase humidity. The more you use the higher the humidity will be.

Have you checked to see if your hygrometer is calibrated correctly?

Shamo123 said:

Don't close off the vents (even if it didn't increase the temp) as they will need more oxygen towards the end of incubation.

In my own personal experience paper towels works better than a sponge, put the ends in the water with the rest out of water, this will wick up water and should increase humidity. The more you use the higher the humidity will be.

Have you checked to see if your hygrometer is calibrated correctly?

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Thanks, i'll give the paper towels a try.the sponges got the humidity up to 47%. To answer your question, i didn't calibrate, but i tested it with my friends. She is using it now. I may be able to use an extra incubator of hers the last 2 days. She also suggested misting the eggs. Thanks for your help!

JacksFarmNGardn said:

Thanks, i'll give the paper towels a try.the sponges got the humidity up to 47%. To answer your question, i didn't calibrate, but i tested it with my friends. She is using it now. I may be able to use an extra incubator of hers the last 2 days. She also suggested misting the eggs. Thanks for your help!

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I've never heard of misting non waterfowl eggs, I'm not sure if that would be a good idea but i haven't tried it myself so not certain.

Try the paper towel method for now.

Shamo123 said:

I've never heard of misting non waterfowl eggs, I'm not sure if that would be a good idea but i haven't tried it myself so not certain.

Try the paper towel method for now.

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I did read up about that,I think I may just stick to the paper towels. Thanks.

A cotton dish cloth will work too.