How precise does temp need to be, i see that recomended is 99.5 forced air, but what is the range to get healthy chicks. I want to test with a few more thermometers to be certain but I'm relatively sure that I am at least within a degree and can hold steady temp. Would 1 degree high or low be problematic? How far off would be an issue?
If you can stay between 99 to 100 you will do great. The more stable and precise the better. 99.5 is an idea temperature. I consider 98 to 102 the max safe range. Slightly hot or cold can affect the hatch date,hatch window or reduce hatch rate. Other people may have different opinions. One reason we don't always agree on the best temp is we are all using different instruments to measure with. Its not uncommon for an incubators temp to vary up to several degrees depending on where you place the thermometer.