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how do hens naturally change the humidity of their eggs?

Discussion in 'Incubating & Hatching Eggs' started by HelenaJean, Feb 1, 2011.

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  1. Feb 1, 2011 #1
    HelenaJean

    HelenaJean Out Of The Brooder

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    Jan 22, 2011
    outback Australia
    eggs need different humidity ranges at different parts of development, how do hens change and maintain this?
    also, if a hen had been clucky for a week or so before eggs were put under her, would she still know when to change the humidity or would the eggs just have to deal with what they get?
    i've been wonering for ages!!
     
  3. Feb 1, 2011 #2
    Baralak

    Baralak Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Sep 12, 2010
    West "By God" Monroe, La
    No worries.. Those hens transfer heat and humidity directly by skin contact. You will notice your broody plucked her own feathers on her bottom side.. She did this so that she would have direct contact. Broodys have been hatching eggs LONG before the invention of the incubator.
     
  5. Feb 1, 2011 #3
    Dipsy Doodle Doo

    Dipsy Doodle Doo ODD BIRD

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    Jan 11, 2007
    Aiken, South Carolina 29801
    My Coop
    Hi! Eggs don't really need different humidity at different parts of development.
    Under the broody hens (at least the ones I've measured), a hygrometer read between 50% and 55% the whole incubation period. The only time the humidity was higher was after the first chick hatched.

    Good luck!
    [​IMG]
    Lisa
     

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