First Time Egg Candler Scared!

[sideWing]

The humidity is now at 57% and temp is at 98.4. My incubator is a hovabator 1588. I filled the amount of troughs it said to on insructions but humidity doesnt seem to be going past 57???

Good to see your temp is coming up. I'm guessing the humidity will too as it warms back up. I would give it a little more time.

Keep in mind I have hatched 6 whole chicks in my whole life.

 

[WVduckchick]

The humidity is now at 57% and temp is at 98.4. My incubator is a hovabator 1588. I filled the amount of troughs it said to on insructions but humidity doesnt seem to be going past 57???

You could try adding a wet sponge or paper towel, or clean rag or such. The temp will continue to increase as the humidity stabilizes. I was just remembering that it dropped because you added water. How warm was the water you put in? I wouldn't touch the temp adjustment yet. Get the humidity up first, then see what happens with the temp.

 

[coleson12]

You could try adding a wet sponge or paper towel, or clean rag or such. The temp will continue to increase as the humidity stabilizes. I was just remembering that it dropped because you added water. How warm was the water you put in? I wouldn't touch the temp adjustment yet. Get the humidity up first, then see what happens with the temp.

The water was cold(it says to put cool water in, the incubator instructions said to). I will wait an hour for water to heat up then see what humidity and temp is. cant wait untill I have some cute silkies!!!!!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I'm afraid Amy is going to be singing Cash, too...

You thinking roo? I kind of do.

That's not funny guys!!

I was using a egg turner and now at lockdown my temp is 97.5, is this normal because the eggs are sitting lower? I am using a circulated air incubator. What should I do?

The turner motors give off a lot more heat than you think. Next time you use your turner, put your hand on the motor after it's been running a while and you'll see what I mean. So when you pull the turner out, you are actually loosing that extra heat and yes, sometimes you have to compensate for that. If my incubator goes down a degree at lockdown, I don't worry about it, If it falls below that 98.5 I attempt to wiggle it up.

The water was cold(it says to put cool water in, the incubator instructions said to). I will wait an hour for water to heat up then see what humidity and temp is. cant wait untill I have some cute silkies!!!!!

I use room temp water most of the time. I never use warm water. I just give it time to warm back up.

 

[coleson12]

That's not funny guys!!

The turner motors give off a lot more heat than you think. Next time you use your turner, put your hand on the motor after it's been running a while and you'll see what I mean. So when you pull the turner out, you are actually loosing that extra heat and yes, sometimes you have to compensate for that. If my incubator goes down a degree at lockdown, I don't worry about it, If it falls below that 98.5 I attempt to wiggle it up.

I use room temp water most of the time. I never use warm water. I just give it time to warm back up.

Ok, thanks. I am just going to wait because humidity is raising little by little... ugggg, why cant friday be any closer

 

[WVduckchick]

I use warm water too.

You're hatching silkies?? What color? I just got my first 2 and I'm hooked on them! They will be my next hatch. And maybe some more banties.

 

[coleson12]

They are a mix of colors, but all come from a white rooster. I am thinking most of them will be white

 

[coleson12]

So today I went into lockdown(Day 18), after a few adjustments I am at 65% humidity and 98.4-98.6 temp. Is this ok? Does my temp need to be higher?

 

[BYC910]

looks like the BYC hatch squad has the situation under control. I'm locking down about 35 eggs tomorrow this time I'm going to put my sponges in water. I'm pretty sure my lock down incubator is older most of you are . its an old bower bath tub. metal still air that I've made a lot of changes to. digital controller sheet foam lined . PC fan temp. is good at the top of the eggs but the humidity is always lower than I like .with 4 sponges I was able to get it up to 75% last weekend, there's not going to be enough room for the sponges and eggs on top of the wire mesh . Its supposed to hold 100 eggs the most I've had in it was 75 and turned every one by hand what a job that was. so far this year I've hatched about 90 chicks out of it .Amy is right about the turning motor they get hot. I change the egg that is close to it with one from some where else in my incubators ever 2 days at least. I'm doing much better this year . all because of all the great tips you guys post . I've become so addicted to reading threads I may have to go to rehab.

 

[RubyNala97]

My son just woke me up....we have a pip!!!! But it's super tiny...just a little crack in the shell, not even an opening, is that ok???