humidity, ventalation, and elevation?

[anjbagley]

The instructions on my incubator say that at elevations over 6000 feet to remove the vent plugs. I am at about 6300 so I did. I can't get my humidity over 50 though. I know that with the plugs out humidity drops, so I m not sure what to do. Any help? Thanks----

 

[CityChicker]

What are you incubating? For almost anything 50% is fine (if not too high for some types of poultry). That is within the range of what we use for waterfowl. For hatch, you just need to increase the water surface area if you want higher than that. This can be accomplished any number of ways like by putting extra water containers in, filling all the incubator wells, sponges, etc... That depends somewhat on the type of incubator.

 

[marymac]

I am getting concerned about ventilation in the incubator. I keep reading that it needs ventilation, but I don't see any vent holes on this incubator. Does anyone know how we are supposed to provide ventilation?

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
What kind of incubator are you talking about? HovaBators and Little Giants have tiny holes on the bottom, as well as the ones on the top lid. Personally, I have added a few more holes (pencil sized) ... one on each corner and each corner on the top (lid). I rarely have my vents plugged, as I prefer the oxygen.

 

[anjbagley]

Quote:
I was under the impression from what I've read that I need to be at 60% for incubating and 70% for hatching. Is this wrong??? I am hatching bc marans and americanas.

 

[babsbag]

I think that is a little high. I wouldn't go above 50% before lockdown, and maybe even 40. I didn't go above 35 and got 90% hatch rate. Lockdown needs to be about 65-70. But the ventilation is important, maybe as much as the humidity. Have you calibrated your hygrometer?

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/herpresources/ss/hygrometer.htm

wet sponges work great, I used a wet rag as well during lcokdown, I was out of sponges.

 

[kathyinmo]

I incubate at 30 - 35% and hatch at 60 -65%. I should say, that is what I intend on doing.

This past weekend, I had a 100% hatch. Most were BCM eggs. I had them in my Sportsman at 34% humidity. I actually forgot about them, and did not get them into lockdown until day 20 (at 60%). Yup, every single one of them hatched!

 

[marymac]

Quote:
I am so sorry folks...I posted this in the wrong section, I guess I was having a senior moment. It should be in the incuCube Bator section. I was wondering why I couldn't find it there yesterday. moved it over to the other forum. So sorry for any confusion.