HELP Humidity and airflow help needed before quail hatch

[Aycchicks]

Hi all I need to raise my humidity I’ve read all the posts and have baby jars with paper towel wicks in and hand towels and as many bowls as I can fit however still not reaching (only hitting 30% max) I have an in vent and exhaust vent with fans on both to increase air flow. I am concerned the exhaust fan is taking it all out which may not be needed. As it seems the outside temp is taking things out of my control. I still have 15 days till hatch so can test a few things. I’m using an old space heater as a heat source so don’t want to dry the eggs out. Any suggestions? Overall I think this size fridge as an incubator was a bad idea :-(

 

[Acre4Me]

Curious where you are located? What is your ambient humidity there?

how does that door seal?

when I made a small styrofoam incubator I had success with Increasing humidity by placing a container of water above the heat source and them moving it away from the heat source if it was too high.

 

[Aycchicks]

UK but the outdoor temp has reduced the last few days and getting about 40% outside when I’ve tested it.
door is like a normal fridge. It has a small gap by the top but not enough to effect it I don’t think.
shall I try to turn off the top exhaust fan or leave it?

 

[Acre4Me]

So, something needs to change. Maybe the hygrometer or thermometer is wrong. Maybe there is too much airflow and air leakage. Yes, try to turn off the upper exhaust and see how that impacts things. Can you place water container near the heat source?

you do need air exchange in the incubator for the chicks, but you also need higher than 30% humidity for hatching.

have you tested or calibrated the sensors (thermometer and hygrometer)?

 

[Aycchicks]

I have a few hydrometers in there and all reading within 1%. Rechecked outside humidity and only 38% today so about 10% difference. I have turned off the top exhaust fan but left the hole open for airflow and will wait and see. I can’t fit anymore water bowls in the incubator. I have two weeks before hatching and if it stays this low I will look for another option.

 

[Acre4Me]

I have a few hydrometers in there and all reading within 1%. Rechecked outside humidity and only 38% today so about 10% difference. I have turned off the top exhaust fan but left the hole open for airflow and will wait and see. I can’t fit anymore water bowls in the incubator. I have two weeks before hatching and if it stays this low I will look for another option.

Your humidity is most important for lockdown and hatch, so there is time to try to work in a solution. What is temp inside the incubator and does it vary at different heights?

 

[Aycchicks]

37.5- 38.0 only varies half a degree. Has anyone used a small humidifier or mist maker?

 

[Acre4Me]

37.5- 38.0

this is 99.5F - 100.4F, so a good temp And glad to see it is stable throughout!