Adding water

[Erin80]

We just got our little incubator (holds 12 chicken eggs). We aren’t new to chicks or chickens, but we have never hatched. We have to take the lid off to add water as we go along, to increase the humidity....does it harm the eggs to open the lid like that? Also with candling, how long are they ok to be out of the incubator? I’m super nervous to take the lid off for any reason. I don’t want to disturb the temperature or humidity.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I would only candle on day 7/10 and at lockdown (day 18). When adding water just be quick. As long as you have a thermometer and hydrometer to regulate temp and humidity you will be okay. Remember, broody hens get off the nest to eat, drink and poop. Just don’t keep the lid off too long each time you open it.
Best wishes on your hatch!!!

 

[Erin80]

Ok great! Thanks.

 

[oregonkat]

The temperature of the eggs will be fine when you need to take the eggs out to candle. It takes a while for the mass of an egg to lose temperature. The humidity is much quicker to drop when you open and close the incubator but it is controlled by surface area of water which is why the incubators usually have channels in the bottom tray for the water. Try not to open and close the bator too often and use independently calibrated instruments to monitor both temp and humidity.