Hatching questions and concerns

[Friend of Feathers]

I am a nubie at hatching and have a few questions. I've done a lot of searching of past posts, but could not find the answers I'm looking for. I've got 11 turkey eggs in the bator. It's day 28 or 29 (I put the eggs in late the first day so I didn't know if I should count it or not) and a few of the eggs started moving a few days ago, but so far nothing else. I'm using a store bought still air incubator. I keep reading about increasing the humidity level the last few days and maintaining heat levels. My questions is how do I increas the humidity level? Also, last night after reading thread after thread on BYC and reading the booklet that came with the incubator, I took both plugs out of the incubator. I also decided to put a humidifier in the room. I was afraid that with both plugs out and the dry winter air that the humidity level would be way too low. I went to bed shortly after worried to death that all the changes would cause problems. This morning when I checked for pips, I noticed that by removing the plugs that the temperature dropped several degress. I did notice that some of the eggs are still moving, but I am scared that I've compromised the hatch. I would greatly appreciate any input I can get from the BYC knowledge base.

 

[IggiMom]

Yes. Put a humidifier in the room, or a steamer.

Put little bowls with washcloths in them and warm water in them. Put a moist paper towel in there.

Those are things I have done to bring up the humidity.

Good luck.

Catherine

 

[Friend of Feathers]

Do you suppose it would be okay to open the incubator to put the wet washcloth in? Yesterday I used a straw to funnel water through the vent hole into the reservoir in the bottom of the incubator. I was scared to open it.

 

[IggiMom]

Do you have a mister for water?

If so, you can open up your incubator and quickly put in the washcloth in a bowl, mist over (not onto) the eggs, quickly shut it, and your humidity should stay ok.

I didn't realize you were in lockdown, I don't have the incubation for turkeys memorized.

Catherine

 

[Friend of Feathers]

Thanks Catherine. The eggs are starting to move around again, so I feel slightly less concerned that I'd made a fatal mistake. Again, I greatly appreciate all the input I get from this forum. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.