I'm asking for humidity opinions???

[1chicken_2little]

I have a hova-bator 1602n syroform incubator ( I know but please forgive me it's all I could fit in our budget). I've used it a couple times and got a 50% hatch on some shipped eggs and 75% hatch on some of our own farm eggs. I'm just wondering if anyone had an opinion on where I should keep the humidity? I can keep it at 55% pretty easily and I know I could get it lower if that might be better. I'm just trying to get it right, but I know I'm limiting myself looking for a great hatch with this bator. Any advise would be greatly appreciated, and Thank you in advance for your time. This is my first post - your posts are very helpful - this is a great site!! God Bless!!

 

[latebloomer]

i have the same unit, except i added a fan to it.

my first batch i did about fifty percent, with humidity through day eighteen at about 55%

this time i did lower humidity and had about an eighty percent hatch rate. i kept the humidity in the thirties and forties.

 

[1chicken_2little]

Thanks - mine too has a fan. I forgot to mention that.

 

[CricketYang]

Have you thought about a dry hatch? day 1-18 at 25-35%, which for me is actually a DRY hatch bc there's no water involved (until lockdown) and then up to 60% for the last three days. Last year I had an 80% with a normal hatch and this year is looking even better now that I'm trying a dry hatch! Also, its a lot easier for me bc I don't have to worry about humidity until lockdown.

 

[ajacskr]

Quote:
Those are good percentages. I would just keep doing things the way you have been, it is very rare to get a 100% hatch rate (Lord knows I never have). My last hatch (50 eggs) was with a GQF cabinet model with lock down in 4 LG still air incubators, and I was really, really pleased with the 80% that I got.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I second the dry hatch. Try that with your own eggs and see how you do. My humidity stays around 18-20% during the first 18 days. Day 18 the humidity goes up to 65-70%. Just got 17/18 silkies to hatch this past week.

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

Quote:
Mine has no fan

But I keep mine about the same first 18 days , then 50-60% after day 18

 

[youngbiddy]

I see others have beat me to it; I clicked on this to say, "Dry incubation rocks!". I used that method with my first batch and got a 66% hatch rate on my very first try, and they were shipped eggs. I used "normal" humidity levels of 45% for the second hatch, and half the eggs were early quitters. Definitely go with the dry incubation method.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-DryIncubation.html

 

[1chicken_2little]

I started some eggs 3 days ago. I put water in the one tray like I've done in the past, but I've pulled one of the vent plugs. The humidity has been 50 -55% the first 3 days. I like the idea of the dry hatch. Do you think it's ok to just let the water that's in there evaporate and not add any more until day 18 when I move them to the hatcher? Thanks for all the input. The dry hatch article is very interesting and seems like its the choice most of you would make. Thanks again!!