HUMIDITY HELP! Quail hatching with Hovabator Genesis.

[iluvmyquail]

Don't know if I should post question in quail section or hatching section for more responses?

I'm using a hovabator genesis 1588 w/ auto turner and trying to hatch coturnix quail eggs. This is my first time. I am having trouble with humidity. Everyone is saying the setting humidity should be between 40%-55% definitely under 60%.

My problem is that I filled up trough 1 (the outer edge trough) like it said to do, but my humidity goes up to 68%??? so at the moment I am running the incubator with the red plug out so some humidity can escape which brings humidity down to 52-54%.

My question is how accurate is the humidity display on genesis hovabators? is my humidity really much lower then it shows on display and should I just fill up trough one put in the red plug at the top and not worry about what the display is showing? OR should I try filling up trough number 2 instead of number 1 to see if that will bring humidity down? OR do I just keep running it the same as I am right now with the red vent plug out of the vent hole and not worrying that the eggs might actually be too dry this way)?

I live in a dry climate with hot summers and cold winters it is currently foggy outside and online weather says our outside humidity is 99% but it is much drier inside the house at around 30-35%. <- incase this info is relevant. Also we are not at a high altitude.

Any humidity or hovabator help will be much appreciated thanks in advance!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hovabators are pretty good incubators. I have used them in the past and find them to be of good quality. So, to answer your question, I personally would trust what the humidity gauge is telling you. If you really think it is off, get yourself a good quality hydrometer you can put inside the bator to compare levels.

Humidity somewhere in the 50's is fine. It can waver during incubation and it won't hurt much. As long as it doesn't get too much above 60% or below 45%.

Keeping the vents open during incubation is always a good plan. So if the humidity sits at a better level with the plugs out, then good. More oxygen will be circulating.

At lock down, you will want to get the humidity back up to the upper 60's low 70's. But you don't want to put the plugs back in because you need MAXIMUM oxygen levels. So if filling both trays does not get it up, add some wet sponges to the bator.

Good luck!

Oh, and welcome to BYC and the quail forums!

 

[iluvmyquail]

Thank you so much for the help. I did not initially buy a separate hygrometer, because did not think it was needed, however, I have one being shipped should arrive buy end of the week.

As soon as water evaporates I will try filling up trough number 2 instead of number 1 to see if it results in better humidity levels for my area. The tip on keeping air circulating and it being okay to constantly have plug out was really helpful. Time for lots of experimentation, I guess.

 

[TwoCrows]

Keep us posted on the hatch!