How to lower humidity in still air incubator

[fatcatx]

Hi Everyone,

Just got my first incubator - still air/no fan. Trying to get it up to the right temp and the humidity is sky high. How do I lower the humidity and still keep the temp up? Do I have too much water in it? Any info or experience in dealing with this styrofoam beast is appreciated!

 

[salahzantout]

decrease the amount of water, or surface area of water... you might as well close half of the pan with nylon or anything... you can also add openings for ventilation...

 

[Kilsharion]

Honestly, in most areas of California, your ambient humidity is high enough you could do well with no water in the incubator at all until hatching time. If you do have your incubator totally dry and are still having humidity issues, increasing ventilation should help. If you still have issues, a dehumidifier in the room where your incubator is kept will help reduce ambient humidity which may help reduce the humidity in your incubator.

 

[fatcatx]

Our ambient humidity right now ranges from 20% during the day to 50% at night (unless we have a storm of course.) I guess I made the mistake of adding water before it came up to temp to see where it would be. I'll empty it out to see where it levels out and then add a smaller dish of water. Found the suggestion on another site to use an ice cube tray to control surface area which seem like a brilliant idea - if it works!

 

[Bill 101]

You are correct. Water should not be added to an incubator until its up to temp & then start adding water until it gets to where you want it.
I lived in CA for 40 years. (Sacto Valley) I always used 50% humidity in my incubators. I lived in Reno, I used 50% humidity>I live in OR & I use 50% humidity. I don't recommend it to any body because I don't know what their incubators will do or how well the person knows what their doing. I believe that everyone should start at a point, maybe 35% & then watch the air cell development for the first couple of hatches. Adding or reducing water levels based on the air cell size Then they will find a pattern as to what is acceptable based on their hatch rate. With the right temp & humidity most, if not, all their eggs should hatch.

 

[chickierookie]

take out any water