High HUMIDITY last three days.

[TenOC]

During day 1 to 18 the humidity in my stryfoam Incubator has been in the 40% range (never lower than 30% and never higher than 60%). I have three meters that measure the humidity and all three read different %. I think my stryfoam Incubator says to raise the humidity to 80% the last three days. I read some place that at this humidity the glass windows should be fogged over about one-half way. I plan to remove the red plugs and add water and use a damp paper towel is necessary to raise the humidity.

My question: Is there a problem it the humidity get TOO high the last three days? I know the problems with too high a humidity in day 1 to 18, but what about the last three days?

 

[wahmommy]

I am a newbie and this is my first hatch so I don't really know for sure, but from what I've read I would think since the whole idea of dry incubating is to make sure they lose enough moisture to make space for them to pip through the air sac, so if the air sacs are the correct size by lockdown, humidity is largely to keep the chick moist enough so that the membranes don't dry out and shrink wrap them. So I wouldn't think a high humidity would be problematic. If you read Bill Worrell's guide to dry incubation in the Learning Center he may have the answer for you. Also check Chookschick's hatching guide.

I hope someone with more experience weighs in on this though...

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Use sponges or cloth not papertowels as they dry out quickly. Sponges hold water longer to keep humidity up for you.

 

[TenOC]

Update

Humidity is "high" which I think what my meter reads if humidity is above 80%. The "cheaper" meter reads 77% which is as high as it will go even when I put it in a steam bath.

Total of 36 eggs

Day 18 one egg pipped about 1/2 way around, but no chick

Day 19 one chick - no change in the first egg - 2 more eggs pipping but appear to be dead

Day 20 10 chicks - no change in the first 3 pipped eggs I am sure they are dead

Humidity is still "high" Temp is 99.5

I am waiting for more chicks.

 

[Quyen Le]

You should keep humidity between 55-60 and lock the incubator for 5 days (18-23) don't open the incubator at all until all hatched. High humidity will cause death chicks fully developed but can't hatch.

 

[TenOC]

High humidity will cause death chicks fully developed but can't hatch.

I understand high humidity in day 1 to 18 will cause death of chicks than can not hatch. But what about day 19 to 23 ??????

 

[Quyen Le]

When I set humidity 70 or higher on 19-23, a lot of them won't hatch

 

[sumi]

Slightly higher humidity during the past 3 days will help prevent the chick getting shrink wrapped in its membrane while its hatching. Humidity of 55%-60% is good. 70% and more will cause the egg shell to fill with liquid and the chick will drown.

 

[TenOC]

UPDATE Day 21

24 chicks hatched out of 36 eggs. This is 75%. I am pleased. I did not candle any of the eggs and since they are from two different barnyard flocks I do not know the fertility rate.

I will wait 2 more days to see if I get any late hatch.

 

[Roxannemc]

UPDATE Day 21

24 chicks hatched out of 36 eggs. This is 75%. I am pleased. I did not candle any of the eggs and since they are from two different barnyard flocks I do not know the fertility rate.

I will wait 2 more days to see if I get any late hatch.

Thats wonderful ...No a bad hatch.

I run mine last 3 days at 70-76 and have been having good hatches if the eggs make it to day 18(Shipped eggs).I dont go as high as 80 altought some say thats good but in case they would drowned.Everyone house and area is different.