Humidity fluctuations during hatching

[kiera260]

Hi all
I am new to hatching and had a very unsuccessful first attempt and only one chick survived....a cockerel! My fault because I could not stop myself interfering!
Now a new incubator and going into lockdown with duck eggs and the humidity will not stay stabilised at the set % that I programmed into it.
I go to bed at night and it is around 60% but when I get up in the morning it is around 82%. Nothing changes in the environment that I can fathom. What in the world is going on and do I need to do anything? Will the babies survive or drown in their shells?
Help please

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

What incubator are you using?
Do you have a separately purchased salt test/calibrated humidity gauge in the bator?

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site (how to upload photos too):

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

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[CarpCharacin]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you decided to join our wonderful community!
I've moved your thread to the Incubating & Hatching Eggs section, I think you'll receive more assistance there

 

[kiera260]

Thank you so much for your welcome. I am sure it will take me some time to navigate around the site to make the best of it.
I have invested in a Brinsea 28 ova ex and this is my first incubate and hatching in it.
Since I posted for help with the fluctuating humidity readings 2 duck eggs have pipped!!!!!!!!!!! I am soooo excited, however, the humidity has gone up to 82% ?????? but maybe the eggs are producing more moisture by pipping etc????? anyone here enlighten me please.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you so much for your welcome. I am sure it will take me some time to navigate around the site to make the best of it.
I have invested in a Brinsea 28 ova ex and this is my first incubate and hatching in it.
Since I posted for help with the fluctuating humidity readings 2 duck eggs have pipped!!!!!!!!!!! I am soooo excited, however, the humidity has gone up to 82% ?????? but maybe the eggs are producing more moisture by pipping etc????? anyone here enlighten me please.

You are correct...when they start hatching it is completely normal for the humidity to go up more.

I wouldn't worry too much, especially since they are hatching.
Good luck!

 

[Pyxis]

!

As the eggs pip, they do release moisture into the incubator, so that's probably the source of the increase

 

[kiera260]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

What incubator are you using?
Do you have a separately purchased salt test/calibrated humidity gauge in the bator?

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site (how to upload photos too):

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<<

BYC has an APP!

Hi Texaskiki
thank you for your welcome and invitation to view the video on navigating the site. I really need that video but cannot watch it with concentration at the moment because I am so worried about my eggs hatching and the incubator humidity fluctuating.
I have a Brinsea ova 28 ex and this is my first time incubating and hatching in it. All has been fine until lockdown and I am completely flummoxed by such huge variations in humidity without anything changing in the environment. However, I have 2 duck eggs pipping so perhaps all is not lost yet!

 

[kiera260]

One has another crack in and looks to be unzipping. I have promised myself and anyone who will listen that I will sit on my hands and watch nature take its course.

 

[kiera260]

!

As the eggs pip, they do release moisture into the incubator, so that's probably the source of the increase

Hi Pyxis, my worry was that it was fluctuating before any pips, but I am much more relaxed that they have started.

 

[Kiki]

One has another crack in and looks to be unzipping. I have promised myself and anyone who will listen that I will sit on my hands and watch nature take its course.

Leave the house now! Go shopping.
Ducks take forever.
Usually a good day or two after the make the external pip.