Clarification for Incubator settings

[Artistickatt]

I have set up my incubator for this first run of eggs. I have read the sticky, several articles, and half of the book that Kskingbee recommended. So I am familiar with how the temp and humidity affect the eggs. With all that said, especially with peafowl, I would like a clarification on successful temp, humidity and rotation practices when there are contradicting sources. I trust members here quite a bit over 10 years old sources.

1. I have a Nuture360 incubator. With testing it in preparation, I see how there can be up to a two degree difference between the set temp and the temp at the bed where the eggs sit (with a charting smart thermometer that I trust). When I see temps recommended they are all about the bed temp, correct? and not what you set the incubator at (in my case 101° gives me 99.8 at the bed). So adjust the temp as needed to get the right temp at the bed. I am pretty sure that is the case but I am just checking.
2. Humidity for pre and post lockdown 60/70 is mentioned, but caveats are often mentioned that if you use a separate hatcher you do the change of humidity (going up) but if in a “all in one” incubator leave it to 60%. I can’t quite discern why not to do the change of humidity for an “all in one” incubator and hatcher vs not. (this was the biggest conflicting info I saw)
3. To automatic turn or not to turn? 45° tilt and turn if manual? I have read conflicting there too.

Last, Kskingbee I think I even saw you say 100° and 45° at one point. Which I wondered if that was a typo on the humidity.

Anyone want to weigh in?

 

[Susan Skylark]

As long as your temp is stable (which you have already figured out the number one rule of hatching: never trust the built in thermometer) most everything else is personal preference. Hatching is an art, not so much a science. Do what works for you and your situation, as long as it is within the recommended parameters for your species. I’ve pushed the boundaries of incubation and its various variables, and eggs can tolerate quite a bit. As long as you are turning, it isn’t a huge deal if it is manual or automatic, 3 times or 87 times a day, or at what angle (though shipped eggs with a damaged air cell may do better upright but again it all comes down to specific situation). Humidity is also highly variable, some people swear by a dry hatch while others wonder at their success, as long as your lockdown humidity is over 60%, find what works for you and your incubator (some can be a nightmare to keep at a certain humidity, an average is just fine though the range swings from 20-80% over a day). Basically don’t over think it. You won’t kill your eggs because you forgot to turn one day or your humidity is 25% for 12 hours or your angle of incubation isn’t to somebody’s preference. Rather enjoy the process, learn as you go, be realistic with your expectations (losing eggs or dead in shell chicks is part of the process), and don’t let worry that things aren’t perfect destroy you joy in doing it. There isn’t a perfect way to incubate, rather it either works or it doesn’t, so keep that temp steady, make sure they are turned occasionally, and most of all have fun!