Humidity fluctuations.

[jeaucamom]

We had a spike last night up to 58%. I am sure it was not for along time, maybe an hour or two at most. I am constantly peering in the window and it has been hovering between 44 and 47%. So we cracked the lid and vent and got the humidity immediatly down, and it was still at 47% this morning at 6am. I have checked in many time this morning and it was fine. Just did another random check and it was at 34%. We added some water and set the australorp eggs and will see where it goes from here, but why would we be getting swings like this. It has been so stable. I know too high a humidity can drown the birds. Do you think that spike could have killed them??? And what happens to the chicks when humidity drops? Thanks, Suz

 

[Katy]

I don't think you have to worry about it at this point in time. I don't know why you'd be getting the changes....is your weather changing......that can affect the humidity. Where you run into trouble with the chick drowning is down the line in incubation and the air sack hasn't "grown" enough to allow the chick to have enough air when it internally pips.

 

[jab91864]

I think you'll be ok, it was a very short time.

Julie

 

[jeaucamom]

Can you feel the bleeding ulcers????? Two days ago, I couldn't keep the humidity below fifty so I barely cracked the lid (hairline) for about ten minutes (the temp stayed stable at 100.0) and then closed it and opened a vent. It has since stayed at 46% but this morning it was down at 26%!!!

HELP!!!

I am going to to insane from worrying about these eggs!! I immediately added more water and it is climbing right now, but it could have been like that for hours. I went to bed at 11 last night and it was 46%, but I didn't get up till 6 so there was 7 hours in there it could have been way, way down. Did I ruin this hatch?????????

 

[ksacres]

Easy there! I think you wil be ok, even a few hours at the wrong humidity shouldn't have that much effect on the eggs. Just keep an eye on it, but try not to overcorrect. Very small adjustments, and give it an hour or two before you try anything else. Most of all, hatching should be fun!

 

[LoneCowboy]

I moved my eggs into hatch mode yesterday, couldn't get the humidity up to 70. I filled both of the troughs they tell you too, and two of the little ones. Finally I got it up to 70. I feel your pain.

Today is day 19, no movement, no pips, nothing. However, I think this hatch will be a little late due to how cold DH keeps the house at night.

 

[ginasmarans]

I know,it's maddening,but take it easy. For the first 18 days,as long as the humidity is between 35 and 60,I do not
even bother it. If it stays 35 for more than a day,or drops below,I add water. If it stays 60 for more than a day or climes higher,I lift the lid for a few minutes. Great time to candle eggs.

 

[jeaucamom]

Okay, but 26%????? That is WAYYYY low and it could have been for hours. Anyone have a successful hatch with them being that low that long???

 

[ksacres]

I still think you're going to be ok