Concerns about humidity in incubator

[BuckeyeFoodie]

Hello all,

I'm new to incubating, and for my current (third) clutch I am concerned about the humidity levels in my incubator. For my first two clutches it was earlier in the year and I had no problem moderating the humidity. However, for this third batch I am now dealing with the humid hell that is *Summer In Columbus Ohio*.

I am using the Nurture Right 360, and without any water in it I can fluctuate anywhere from 40 to 75% humidity, although it has spent the majority of the time in the 50's. I'm worried about the fluctuations high or low. Low I can correct, high is my bigger concern because I can't lower the humidity in my house any more than I already have.

Should I be ok with short swings high? Currently on days 4/5 of incubating.

 

[yardn_gardn]

Hello all,

I'm new to incubating, and for my current (third) batch I am concerned about the humidity levels in my incubator. For my first two batches it was earlier in the year and I had no problem moderating the humidity. However, for this third batch I am now dealing with the humid hell that is *Summer In Columbus Ohio*.

I am using the Nurture Right 360, and without any water in it I can fluctuate anywhere from 40 to 75% humidity, although it has spent the majority of the time in the 50's. I'm worried about the fluctuations high or low. Low I can correct, high is my bigger concern because I can't lower the humidity in my house any more than I already have.

Should I be ok with short swings high? Currently on days 4/5 of incubating.

I would contact [email protected] for more specifics, but I believe more harm is caused by too low than too high humidity. Be sure the vent is open all the way. Some water in the A chamber is probably necessary. I was having humidity issues and Bob was quick to reply.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Hello all,

I'm new to incubating, and for my current (third) clutch I am concerned about the humidity levels in my incubator. For my first two clutches it was earlier in the year and I had no problem moderating the humidity. However, for this third batch I am now dealing with the humid hell that is *Summer In Columbus Ohio*.

I am using the Nurture Right 360, and without any water in it I can fluctuate anywhere from 40 to 75% humidity, although it has spent the majority of the time in the 50's. I'm worried about the fluctuations high or low. Low I can correct, high is my bigger concern because I can't lower the humidity in my house any more than I already have.

Should I be ok with short swings high? Currently on days 4/5 of incubating.

Howdy from KY - also sweltering here. Like you, I'd be more worried about the humidity spikes than dips - too much humidity can cause serious hatching issues like the chicks being too large to turn properly for hatch, or too much fluid remaining inside at hatch causing drowning. I'm dry hatching very dark eggs at 30% humidity now (intentionally).

I don't use a Nurture Right, but if you're not adding water, the fluctuating readings would make me suspect a problem with the hygrometer. If you don't already have one, an independent hygrometer would help you determine if the incubator's display is inaccurate or if there really is a humidity issue. If the ambient humidity in the incubation room is high, a de-humidifier may help regulate it.

Best of luck!

 

[chickens really]

I also know some incubators will give off a wrong humidity reading because they are supposed to have water in the chamber in order to give an accurate reading..

 

[BuckeyeFoodie]

Howdy from KY - also sweltering here. Like you, I'd be more worried about the humidity spikes than dips - too much humidity can cause serious hatching issues like the chicks being too large to turn properly for hatch, or too much fluid remaining inside at hatch causing drowning. I'm dry hatching very dark eggs at 30% humidity now (intentionally).

I don't use a Nurture Right, but if you're not adding water, the fluctuating readings would make me suspect a problem with the hygrometer. If you don't already have one, an independent hygrometer would help you determine if the incubator's display is inaccurate or if there really is a humidity issue. If the ambient humidity in the incubation room is high, a de-humidifier may help regulate it.

Best of luck!

The humidity fluctuations correspond with the humidity through the day - higher during the day, lower at night. I've been adding a touch of water at night when the humidity dips.