Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[Findtex]

I'm guessing your hygrometer is pretty accurate. The time frames are to let the isolated environment reach equilibrium. If the airspace is small enough, and the amount of damp salt large enough in relation to the airspace, it could probably reach equilibrium sooner. The 8 hours is more to be sure that it has done that, and I suggest waiting the recommended time to see what it shows at that point. But you might have scored a pretty decent hygrometer.

I think the point here is that there is no real accurate way to measure humidity at any single point of time. I think you can have your incubator to dry but not too wet, (to a point). The higher the humidity at hatching the better as this softens the egg shells and makes it easier for the chicks to get out. It is better to add too much water than not enough.

Good hatching everyone.

 

[vehve]

Quote: Just let it sit until the 8 hours is up and take a reading then. That way you can be sure that it's pretty accurate. The reading won't be 100% accurate any way, since they usually achieve different accuracy levels at different moisture levels, but it will be good enough for incubating. Like said earlier, you should weigh the eggs too, that's the best way to track the effects.

 

[darajosami]

I think the point here is that there is no real accurate way to measure humidity at any single point of time. I think you can have your incubator to dry but not too wet, (to a point). The higher the humidity at hatching the better as this softens the egg shells and makes it easier for the chicks to get out. It is better to add too much water than not enough.

Good hatching everyone.

Ok thanks it has pretty much stopped at 77% but time will tell as I have another 5 1/2 hours (which will be 2am so leaving it overnight) will see what it is then and then try it out with an empty incubator ready for fertile eggs

 

[vehve]

Quote: During hatching, the humidity should be high, but not throughout the whole incubation period. You can manage fine without a hygrometer just adjusting the humidity according to the weight loss of the eggs (from evaporation). If the humidity is too high throughout the incubation period, the air-cells will be too small, resulting in drowning of the chick. But when it's hatching time, the high humidity is needed to keep the membranes from drying out (you don't want shrink wrapped chicks). We lost a couple incubator loads due to too high humidity, the dry hatch method worked better for us. But everyone has their own experiences, you'll just have to find what way works the best for you.

 

[satay]

G'day to all and sundry, I've seen this thread many a time but have been overwhelmed by its immensity. I thought to myself, "Bugger it, I should at least say hi to all the other Aussies on here." So, without any further ado, I offer my warmest greetings and salutations to all upon this forum, especially the many Australians out there hoarding chickens within the confines of their piece of the great Australian dream. We're from Melbournes Western suburbs and have been keeping chooks since April-ish(?). Our motley brood consists of an RIR (Bruce), a buff RIR (B*tch Hen), Bluey, a recently added Buff Orpington, their lovingly gentle underachieving matriarch, Tanikwa (Black Silkie) and our proud young fella, Schnitzel, a Light Sussex. In the next week or two we'll be taking on a pair of Australorps to boot. I'm always amazed by the field of members upon this site and the collective depth of their knowledge and experience. We all do it a different way, but at the end of the day our common interest is for these magical birds. Have a great evening, Australia, good luck as we approach the Southern Spring!

Welcome

 

[satay]

During hatching, the humidity should be high, but not throughout the whole incubation period. You can manage fine without a hygrometer just adjusting the humidity according to the weight loss of the eggs (from evaporation). If the humidity is too high throughout the incubation period, the air-cells will be too small, resulting in drowning of the chick. But when it's hatching time, the high humidity is needed to keep the membranes from drying out (you don't want shrink wrapped chicks). We lost a couple incubator loads due to too high humidity, the dry hatch method worked better for us. But everyone has their own experiences, you'll just have to find what way works the best for you.

I agree. Cause it is so humid here in summer my bator doesn't use any water until hatch and then sometimes none either. With the rcom bators I just set it and let it do its own thing. Don't stress too much about it. As long as you can get it close that will be fine. My humidity in summer is very rarely under 55% for the first 18 days as you just can't get it any lower.

 

[cwrite]

Writing a book.
Any suggestions for theme, story line, characters, anything. Just get my mind ticking.

Great pics, particularly the one of the rooster in mid crow!
What genre do you enjoy? Write what you enjoy. Just start & don't stop until you finish - then fix it. It helps if you do a little planning. Make a routine & write for that time you have set aside every day. Stephen Kings book - On Writing: A Memoir of the craft is a good all round guide for starters.
It helps to remember the quote below - just keep going even if you think it isn't any good. A blank page can't be fixed.

“The first draft of anything is sh?t."
― Ernest Hemingway

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Quote:
Awesome! Thanks for your help

.
I like mythical books like Lord of the Rings where dragons and wizards are real. I also like book in which animals 'come alive' so can speak etc.
Much like a book I am reading now called Watership Downs by Richard Adams.

 

[Teila]

Awesome! Thanks for your help

.
I like mythical books like Lord of the Rings where dragons and wizards are real. I also like book in which animals 'come alive' so can speak etc.
Much like a book I am reading now called Watership Downs by Richard Adams.

Recommendation: Catahoula written by Wes McCloud

It is about a Catahoula Leopard dog on a mission to find a new home and a few friends he makes along the way. It is a fun read.

 

[cwrite]

Awesome! Thanks for your help

.
I like mythical books like Lord of the Rings where dragons and wizards are real. I also like book in which animals 'come alive' so can speak etc.
Much like a book I am reading now called Watership Downs by Richard Adams.

If you like high/epic fantasy I highly recommend subscribing to Write About Dragons on youtube. Brandon Sanderson has given lectures geared towards fantasy writing for a few years now and the last two years lectures have been recorded & posted on youtube. I watched the 2012 ones & they are very worthwhile. Good luck! I scribble a bit & epic fantasy is a wonderful genre.