This is my first try using the hatching tray, this is day 19. I moved 12 to the bottom tray and I have around 70 eggs setting with more in the kitchen that I need to add. I've kept the bator at 45% for the last 3 weeks which is what has worked for me in the LG. Both vents are open 1/3 of the way. My question...if I add another pan of water or a big sponge will the rise in humidity harm the eggs that are setting? Or, do I break the golden rule of keeping the bator shut and mist the hatching tray eggs 3 times a day like Mr. Dickey suggested? This is stressful! I hate to kill them all while I sit here trying to figure this out on my own...
I had the same delimma. I ended up bringing out the LG again and using it as a hatcher. That way I can keep eggs of various ages in the Dickey and raise the humidity where it needs to be for hatching in the LG. It has worked perfectly for me. Lisa
I actually have 2 LG's. #1 has some turkeys in it on day 26 and I read some place that it wasn't a good idea to hatch poults and chicks together LG #2 has little teeny tiny Serama eggs in it that are on day 19. I read that they usually hatch a day or 2 early. That left the 12 standard size eggs that I couldn't figure out what to do with so I put them in the hatching tray. Humidity is at 62% right now, I may just mist them before I go to bed and hope for the best!
stick with Mr. Dickey's method. the machine is designed to be used in that manner. adding sponges, moisture pads etc. are not good choices for that bator.
Call Mr. Dickey...he will give you his recommendation...he is available for your questions and there are no dumb questions....he is very understanding.
