Franken-bator not retaining humidity.

I think my first step is to see if the center hole is effecting how quickly it dries out. I'm considering taping some saran wrap over the controls to see if that holds humidity better. If it does, I'll look into sealing it from below the lid.

Closing any air holes on the outside of the incubator will increase the humidity but the chicks need fresh air too so some holes are needed. How much space is there between the top of the water and the plastic grid floor? It looked like maybe an 1" to me. That would be enough space to cut some sponges and lay them in each trough so that they went all the way up to the floor.

I agree I would check with another humidity gauge to make sure it is accurate. I have an Accurite from Walmart and the temp is 2 degrees off and the humidity is between 5-10% off. You can tell in this pic....
20180415_215545.jpg
 
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Yea its got to be something along that line, because full wells in that thing should definitely be higher humidity. It's got so much surface area!
Unless your meter is wrong. :D
I've got two of them going. I know my humidity is lower because 1) I'm not getting condensation on the sides and 2) the water is evaporating much quicker than before.

I have a third Thermometer/hygrometer that I'm going to salt test tonight.
 
I know my humidity is lower because 1) I'm not getting condensation on the sides and 2) the water is evaporating much quicker than before.

Keep in mind, if you have more ventilation (larger center hole) you will use more water faster to maintain high humidity and it will not sweat (condense) as much. If you completely seal off your incubator (tape every hole) the water will last longer in the trays while maintaining high humidity but it will sweat inside much more..

So you going through water faster and not seeing a bunch of condensation inside the incubator does NOT necessarily mean you humidity is low. It just means you are allowing more fresh air in likely through the hole you mentioned.
 
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Ok, I set up two different things to test overnight. I put my spare thermometer/hygrometer in this glass container with the wet salt.
IMG_7713.JPG

And I put a piece of plastic over the controls to see if that holds in the humidity any better.
IMG_7714.JPG


Keep in mind, if you have more ventilation (larger center hole) you will use more water faster to maintain high humidity and it will not sweat (condense) as much. If you completely seal off your incubator (tape every hole) the water will last longer in the trays while maintaining high humidity but it will sweat inside much more..

So you going through water faster and not seeing a bunch of condensation inside the incubator does NOT necessarily mean you humidity gauge is off. It just means you are allowing more fresh air in likely through the hole you mentioned.

The main problem I'm having is my water is evaporating so fast that I'm having a hard time keeping it at the level I want (45-50%). Even with all the wells full, it is only getting up to 41-45% and it is BONE dry 12 hours later. I also couldn't get it above 63% when I used it for hatching earlier this week. I think one of my chicks has an umbilical problem because of it.

Of course, since I haven't calibrated my hygrometers, the problem could either be not as bad or MUCH worse than I thought.
 
What is marking this device?
I don't understand your question.
I love your logical approach and the testing you are doing...commendable!
Then you can carry on your crazy staggered hatching technique ;)
Thanks! I'm getting ready to look at the testing I started last night.
 

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