Humidity question.

[JennaLynn122]

I have set 11 chicken eggs to incubate (on day 4 now). However, here's my question. I don't have a Hydrometer, is it really necessary to have one?my eggs seem to be doing fine without one and progressing normally. Should I worry about this or just keep going and hope for the best?
This is my first attempt at hatching and my thoughts were that hens don't monitor their humidity levels and the levels would fluctuate in a normal environment.

 

[Daedalus62]

Hi Jenna,

See you point, but... Ever wondered why store bought incubators have one?... And the industrial hatcheries (always a good reference) incubators have them?...

Personally, I would get one and stop worrying about it... And you don't have to go overboard, any cheap analog hygrometer from your local pet shop (reptile aisle) will work just fine.

My 2 cents...

Cheers

 

[dheltzel]

Hi Jenna,

See you point, but... Ever wondered why store bought incubators have one?... And the industrial hatcheries (always a good reference) incubators have them?...

Personally, I would get one and stop worrying about it... And you don't have to go overboard, any cheap analog hygrometer from your local pet shop (reptile aisle) will work just fine.

My 2 cents...

Cheers

I recommend that Acurite digital thermometer and hydrometer. Get the one for indoors only (no remote sensor for outside. Costs about $9 at Walmart. It also keeps a daily high and low for both temp and humidity.

The actual number is not critical for RH, like it is for temp, at least during incubation. I track the amount of weight the eggs are losing, some people track the size of the air cell. For hatching, I aim for at least 60% humidity, usually it's more like 70%. Still doesn't have to be "spot on" like the temp.

 

[JennaLynn122]

I recommend that Acurite digital thermometer and hydrometer. Get the one for indoors only (no remote sensor for outside. Costs about $9 at Walmart. It also keeps a daily high and low for both temp and humidity.

The actual number is not critical for RH, like it is for temp, at least during incubation. I track the amount of weight the eggs are losing, some people track the size of the air cell. For hatching, I aim for at least 60% humidity, usually it's more like 70%. Still doesn't have to be "spot on" like the temp.

Hi Jenna,

See you point, but... Ever wondered why store bought incubators have one?... And the industrial hatcheries (always a good reference) incubators have them?...

Personally, I would get one and stop worrying about it... And you don't have to go overboard, any cheap analog hygrometer from your local pet shop (reptile aisle) will work just fine.

My 2 cents...

Cheers   

Thank you both for your input. I think I'll go get one of them tonight.

 

[Strader]

You can verify the accuracy of the hygrometer you buy if you want to know how close it is. simply fill a shot glass with non iodized salt, then add just enough water to the salt in the shot glass to make all salt wet. Take the humidity meter and put it into a large zip lock bag. Also set the shot glass of damp salt into the bag. Now seal the bag for 12 hours. Your reading on humidity meter then should then read 75%. if it reads 60% then just remember that you have to add 15% to your reading when in incubator. Other postings on here will tell you Accurite are not very close. I have one and its 20% off. So if I used it I would have to add 20%.