Help with humidity!

[LilBantams]

I just started my first batch of eggs of large and bantam eggs (I talked to some people who said they had done it and were successful) last Thursday on the 21st. I have the temp at 100 and the channels at the bottom full. The person before me who had this incubator hadn't used it in years, but they told me to just fill the channels at the bottom and I'd be fine (that's what they did and had many successful batches). But I got worried, so I bought a hydrometer and stuck it in there. It read 38-39. I messed with the hydrometer a lot so I didn't think that was was correct, so I bought another one. It read the same thing! So I added a paper towel (because I know the temp is suppose to be between 40-65) and then the humidity dropped to 34-35. I'm so lost and need advice. My incubator is almost exactly like a Little Giant but seems to be an off-brand to it. Also, if it matters, the humidity where I live is 45-50.
A question:
How long does it take the humidity to come back up after I open the incubator?

 

[BoomChickaPop]

When you keep opening the incubator the humidity starts to drop. Give it some time to climb back up after you have refilled the trays to the TOP, and closed the incubator.
What day are your eggs on?

bcp

 

[MeepBeep]

If you are concerned about humidity when you open get a spray bottle and fill it with warm water, shoot a few mistings in the incubator before you close it back up and the humidity will temporarily spike but then settle back in short...

 

[LilBantams]

They are on day 9. The humidity right now is at 29. How long does it take for the humidity to rise?

 

[LilBantams]

MeepBeep will the extra moisture effect the eggs?

 

[MeepBeep]

MeepBeep will the extra moisture effect the eggs?

No the temporary moisture increase from the misting will not effect the eggs overall...

 

[LilBantams]

The humidity only went up to 35 overnight?

 

[padgejc]

I have had success raising the humidity adding sponges (clean and new) soaked in water to problematic incubators. You would have to add water to sponges periodically. Wishing you luck.

 

[MeepBeep]

The humidity only went up to 35 overnight? 

I would not fret it, too many people focus on a humidity number when that is really irrelevant, watch the air cell development every 3-4 days, if it's growing in size as expected the humidity is fine... You can also weigh the eggs and monitor the weight loss...

As said a sponge that site above the surface of the water will increase humidity as it increases surface area...