Humidity question.

[CBee]

My humidity hasn't been doing too good, it fluctuates between 20% and 50%, and I think I really need it around 60%-70%, seeing as how the babies I want to hatch are tropical birds.

First of all, if the origin is basically a rain forest, and the humidity there is high, will I need to keep the bator at those constants? Or does it not matter?

Secondly, I have heard of some people misting their eggs while they are in the bator. Is this okay?

 

[jimnjay]

I would test the hygrometer first. Here is a link to how to do it. http://exoticpets.about.com/od/herpresources/ss/hygrometer_4.htm

How are you adding water. It sounds like you are running completely out. You might try adding water every day. My Hovabator takes a cup almost everyday during this dry winter. I found that they use much more water than you might imagine. I also have a TX-6 and water is dispensed automatically. I use 2 quarts of water during the 21 days and it is half the sice of the Hova Bator.

I don't think spritzing the eggs would hurt but be sure the water is around 100 degrees. You can also add a damp cloth to the floor or a wet sponge. I find they dry out quickly. The cloth will need to be rinsed carefully to prevent it from going sour.

 

[swtangel321]

What are you hatching ?? Do you know what hum they should have ??

 

[CBee]

Thanks Jimnjay, that helps a lot.

I had just a shallow dish for water because I was afraid of putting anything more in that would raise it too much.

And that sponge sounds like a good idea to see how much water I'll need every day, I'm going to go do that.

I have about 5 or 6 Saipen eggs and 1-2 Silkies. The Saipan parents came from a little island by the Philippines. I do not know what humidity they should be hatched at, but the humidity in Saipan is around 60-70% year round.