home made incubator from day 1

[amberschick]

Thank you. I wasn't at home when catwoman hatched so I think the humidity dropped before I could get my aunt to come add water I was so disappointed

but this time I'm not going anywhere so I can keep a closer eye on it. I keep it around 60-70% the last 3 days no turning or candeling. Also I live in Oklahoma.

 

[amberschick]

So today is day 17 I'm going to candel one more time then lock it down all 7 were alive on day 14 so fingers crossed ill have chicks in a few days.

 

[amberschick]

I hear chirping!!!!

 

[amberschick]

No pips yet just chirping

 

[Mamashash]

shrink wrapped indicates low humidity during incubation or hatch. If the eggs were piped then hatch incubation was very low.

people tend to spit out a number for humidity but that really doesn't work as there to many factors to consider. Around 40% during incubation will give you a starting point that you can adjust at day 9-10 when you candle them and see the size of the air pocket. Depending on the humidity In the room and a load of other things like the incubator design don't be scared to increase the humidity above what people recommend if the air pocket is to large.
 Ive read about people running low 20's to people running 50 plus based on the air pocket (80% of all humidity sensors can be a little off the other 20% are just way the hell off)

What everyone agrees on ........ well nearly everyone is that during lockdown the humidity needs to be high. Suggested is 70% plus I see that as a minimum but like I said it depends on a lot of things. Generally if you see condensation on the glass/plastic its to high unless you live in a cold area then even that may be ok.

most people drown there chicks during hatch due to very high humidity during incubation so don't go nuts and go super high on the humidity to start.

I am in lockdown right now - day 19 of my first hatch - and I do have condensation on one corner. I already have one lone chick crying for someone to join her but no other pips. Could it be the humidity?

She has been out for 3+ hours and is almost all fluffed out.

I grabbed my coffee and left the room cause all I wanted to do was snatch her out and cuddle! I know that someone else is probably ready to pop on out, but now I am worried about the humidity! What should I do? Thoughts and ideas appreciated!

 

[amberschick]

I have condensation on my glass as well but I did a dry incubation so the moisture shouldn't be a problem.

What did u do for incubation?

 

[Mamashash]

I am using a Janoel 24 that came with terrible instructions. It has two wells in the bottom for the water. Fill one up at the beginning and add as needed - I am not using a second hygrometer(?) so I followed the instructions to add a small bit daily to the first well. Then on lockdown, fill the second chamber also - this was when I got the condensation. But I do know that it can't be too terrible because my chick has fluffed out!

Just checked again and now two corners have condensation. No other pips and my baby is just laying there. What should I do?

 

[amberschick]

What's the humidity at now?

 

[Mamashash]

I do not know! The readout appears to only show temp. There is a small opening in the top that I closed for lockdown - I am assuming it's purpose was to help raise the humidity for hatching. I am thinking I need to open this?

My chick is just laying down now. I hope she is just napping from her big hatching experience and not because something is wrong!

 

[amberschick]

Do u have vent holes cause fresh oxygen is needed, I would open the vent it should help with the humidity also for the next batch u might want to buy a thermometer with humidity on it mine cost 6-7$ and is fairly accurate, open vent if 20-30 min later ur temp drop close it or put a towel over incubator to keep heat in. I hope this helps my incubator is a styrofoam cooler I made myself. also on day 20. I'm watching like a hawk my temp and humidity also I didnt put water in untill lockdown.