Dry hatching

[JohnTheChickenMan]

Humidity is a difficult thing because it isn't a set number. It depends on porosity of eggs, ambient humidity and accuracy of the hygrometer.

If one is unsure, I much prefer tracking weight than humidity.
An egg should lose 12-13% during incubation.

Excellent post! If the eggs loose to much the air cell becomes too large they will shrink wrap in the shell and die

 

[JohnTheChickenMan]

Try starting up your incubator and adding minimal water rather than what the recommended amount is. I always find between 30-40% is actually perfect with minimal water. I always think the recommended 50% is always a bit much but that’s just personal experience

Mine is close to that 46 percent days 1-18 then finish on 60. Ive had many 100 percent hatches on fresh fertile clean eggs

 

[JohnTheChickenMan]

Mine is close to that 46 percent days 1-18 then finish on 60. Ive had many 100 percent hatches on fresh fertile clean eggs

Healthy chickens on clean ground, good clean feed and water, clean nest boxes, plenty of oyster shell, and grit and a vigorous young rooster will work wonders on your hatch percentage. And don't forget green grass!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I "dry" incubate, which is the more proper description. The term "dry" means you just do not add any water until lockdown. My ambient humidity is high, usually at least 60%. I use an NR360, add no water and the humidity runs between 25%-45% the first 19 days. I add water on DAY 19 usually with humidity then around 60-65% and normally have good hatch rates with my own birds' eggs.