Ideal Temp and Humidity

[pepperluvsmee]

K--Just for ref, what would the ideal temp and humidity be for a still air bator for both days 1-18 and then 18-21 for chicken eggs.
-Theresa

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Still airs temps for all 21 days 101 to 102..nothing higher than that...

humidity first 18 days 40 to 50% range...

last 3 days 60 to 70% range....

 

[equine chick]

Should the humidity really be that low for the first 18 days? I thought it should be a t 60-65%. I'm new so I could be wrong.

 

[ebonykawai]

I asked about that, too. Here's what was said:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=36752

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I've always been told to keep humidity on the lower 40 to 50% range that it can drown the embryos before day 18....so thats where I keep mine for clean hatches...no problems...

 

[twigg]

Chicken eggs should lose 12% of their setting weight by day 18. They lose weight fairly uniformly during the first eighteen days.

Weigh them. Work out the weight loss each day. If the humidity is too high they will not lose weight fast enough, and vice versa.

A simple chart with the expected loss line predrawn makes this a simple chore. And scales suitable for the job can be had for about $10 on ebay.

hth