First Time hatching and using a Sportsman 1502 open to good advice

[ohiobranchofchickenranch]

I have been raising layers for a few years and decided I wanted to start hatching my own eggs for myself and my extended family and friends so I jumped in with both feet and spent a bunch of money on the sportsman 1502. I already started some eggs but I don't know if the humidity is right it reads about 17% without water in the tray and with just a little water in the bottom it will go right up to over 40% what do I need the eggs have only been in for 4 days so do I really need humidity right now at all? Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[saladin]

I usually run around 40% until day 17 or 18 when I bump it up to 55-60%. My hatch rate runs 80-90%. My sportsman is much much older than yours but same basic concept. saladin

 

[ohiobranchofchickenranch]

Thanks for the info if you have any other tips that you want to share I'm more than willing to listen. Thanks Again

 

[saladin]

Once you get the temp set it should hold really well. Mine is in an unheated garage where the temps fluctuate but the old Sportmans never varies more than a couple of tenth. So, DON'T FOOL WITH IT ONCE IT'S RIGHT!!! lol. Also, I get better hatches when the temp is at 101F, but I have friends that run their's at 100F. Just find what works best with yours. saladin

 

[peachychick]

We use a 1502 at around 50% at 100 degrees until day 18 then stop turning add the sponge and usually goes to around 65% thru the hatch. Best of luck!!!!

 

[ohiobranchofchickenranch]

For some reason I'm really concerned about how I am set up. But right now I have to have a piece of plastic sheet draped loosely over the incubator to keep the temp right outside of it to around 65 because the basement is cold this time of year but I didn't even candle the eggs before they went in so I'm not expected very much this first time.

 

[kathyinmo]

Ya know, I did read somewhere that you should not have the incubator in a location that is more than 35 or 40 degrees different. I don't know if that is true or not. I have mine in the lower level of my home, and it is about 65 degrees there.

Good luck! Hope you have a great hatch!

 

[saladin]

As I said mine is in an unheated garage where the temp is often 40F or below. I do have a sleeping bag over the sides and front, but not over the back! I keep it like that all year. In the late spring/summer the garage will be 100-105F with no change in the temp of the old Sportsman. saladin