HELP humidity question mid hatch

[juliachick]

I am soooo confused. I have been reading reading reading and don't know what to listen to...so I am turning to you all for advice on my specific incubator. I have had 3 of 7 jersey giants hatch w/the humidity being around 70%. It's been up the past few hrs to 76% but now is down to 72%. Should I open it and take out the three hatchlings and try to take out some water so the remaining 4 have more of a chance. One book I have says you want 70% on hatch day and then I read on here lots of people like 45-50%. ???????????? Any advice would be soooo appreciated! Forgot to add it's an Lg.

jen

 

[wanda047]

I kept mine between 60-70%. I wasn't home while chicks were being born and my hubby took babies out while there were still eggs hatching in the bator. He broke all the rules. However, I had a 85% hatch rate, so I can't beat him up too badly.

Everyone says don't open the bator while they are hatching... if someone else doesn't speak up shortly, I'd say follow your heart and do what you think is right. I would think over 70% might be too much. Opening the lid for a few seconds to get the new hatching out might let a little humidity escape, which actually might be a good thing. I just don't know... I'm no expert.

 

[wanda047]

Jen,
have you opened the air plugs at the top of the bator? That will help

 

[juliachick]

thank you...i just opened the window at the top for a few seconds and the hum. came down to 65%. i don't know if it will go back up though. i have both air plugs open. i left the chicks in though for now.

 

[wanda047]

I read somewhere that you could put aluminum over the water tray at the bottom and it would help bring your humidity down... but then again, you're opening your bator! duh... I think what've you've done so far will make a difference. Just keep an eye on it and don't open it any more than necessary.

Let us know how your hatch goes!

 

[juliachick]

Thanks so much for your help...it did go up to 71% already but I am going to go to bed and pray for my chickies and hope in the morning I have some more babies in there

I'll post in the morning how we make out!