I'm new and need some advice!

[Marjorie1967]

Hi - I'm a mom who agreed to incubate some chicken eggs for her daughter's science project.... It's been great fun and a wonderful learning experience and yes, i am now totally hooked on chickens and everything to do with hatching them!

I have a mini R-com which is a couple of years old. So it doesn't have the latest gadgetry. I can't believe we are about to hit day 20 and I actually saw all three eggs 'shiver' a little today. I thought it was my imagination, but then i definitely saw 2 of the eggs move by themselves. It was so exciting as i was prepared for the worst. We are now in lockdown and I know it's essential that the humidity is increased. I don't think the old mini R-com does that? I have already put a damp towel under the machine but my question is this: should I open the rcom and place some damp cotton balls inside? It won't ruin the machine as the eggs are now sitting on a plastic tray. I just want to give these chicks the best chance...
Any advice?

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us! I don't have the answer to your question, but do believe someone will come along with the answer.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. What % is your bator's humidity? I keep mine around 65% the last three days. Good luck.

 

[3goodeggs]

What a cool mom you are! I think there are quite a few people on BYC who got started exactly that way!
I am not brave enough to incubate. I can't help you there, but someone will indeed come along and help!

 

[Marjorie1967]

Hi 4 H! The humidity is automatically 'done' by the r-com and so far it must have done something right because at least 2 of the chicks are alive...It's just increasing the humidity which i am not sure about. I don't think my machine does that...I have posted my worries under the 'incubation' section as well, in case there are others out there who have a mini R-com and know what to do....

 

[Soaring Chicks]

from WV

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

and a Texas size: