First batch of eggs ever starting today!

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Quote:

I just put mine in lockdown, added all the water and am waiting for it to raise. I don't think it is normal how much water I have in this thing . I have the entire bottom of the incubator full of water (which is 23" X 21") and the humidity is only 50% ...ugh.... how do I get it higher!!!???

I have yet to hatch eggs but in my homemade incubator I ran into the same thing: Trying to raise humidity and ended up with the whole bottom of the incubator filled with water.

I have been "calibrating" my incubator so to speak for the last few months trying a bunch of different methods on raising humidity. Maybe add a few sponges soaked in warm (not hot or cold but warm) water. Or what I am going to do is mist the eggs with warm water using a hand held spray bottle during lockdown. I will do this *very quickly* and try not to let too much heat out. I was reading earlier tonight that you shouldn't stress too much about the humidity and there was such a thing as "dry incubation". Just my two cents.
Take Care Now. And good luck with the hatch.

 

[Squawkbox]

I got it finally. Added some hot wet rags to it and it shot up nicely and is holding at 63%. Thanks for the well wishes!

Ps. I did use dry incubation, but am now in lockdown when the humidity has to be raised

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Good luck Squawkbox!

 

[Squawkbox]

Thank you!!! Day 19 now, thought there was a pip but there wasn't

.

 

[Cynthia12]

I got it finally. Added some hot wet rags to it and it shot up nicely and is holding at 63%. Thanks for the well wishes!

Ps. I did use dry incubation, but am now in lockdown when the humidity has to be raised

This is what I was going to suggest, but you did it! I put a dish towel..fold it up, and spread it out..so you get the longer area of wet. 63%, perfect! Good luck!
I am now in lock down with my australorps and two EE's. Not sure about one of the EE's, the eggs are soo dark, but will see guess.

 

[Squawkbox]

Ugh I can't take it anymore, I am getting so impatient lol. I just want them to hatch already!

I go and sit and watch for movement/pips but to no avail. Last night I had movement going on and it was very interesting to watch.
So, when they pip, will the egg rock around first or will it just suddenly shove it's beak through the shell, with no warning beforehand?

 

[Cynthia12]

Ugh I can't take it anymore, I am getting so impatient lol. I just want them to hatch already!

I go and sit and watch for movement/pips but to no avail. Last night I had movement going on and it was very interesting to watch.
So, when they pip, will the egg rock around first or will it just suddenly shove it's beak through the shell, with no warning beforehand?

My guess is that, you won't be there to see it pip..or..if you are one to have that nose glued to the bator, you just might!

Sometimes the egg moves, sometimes it doesn't when it pips.

 

[Squawkbox]

I have a pip!!!!!!!!

 

[The Breaker]

hear,s the pics I promised

 

[Cynthia12]

I have a pip!!!!!!!!