Incubating humidity

[afarrell1982]

I am doing a trial run with my incubato. Instruction manual says humidity needs to be between 55-75% is this right because i keep reading other wise.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Humidity isn't a set number. Each egg is different and what you want to achieve is a weight loss of about 0.65% per day. That could be more or less humidity depending on your eggs.
IMHO about 35-40% is about right. 65-75% is good for the last couple days so you don't dry out inner membranes when they start pipping.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

p.s.
You'll find lots of information and experienced hatchers in this thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...n-chat-meet-new-friends-w-host-sally-sunshine

 

[afarrell1982]

Ive got a reading of 65% hopefully hatching silkie eggs. Ive put the amount of water in incubator that is requested in manual. Would taking some water out lower humidity?

 

[junebuggena]

You need to keep in mind that humidity is not a fixed thing. You start out at about 35 to 45 range for the first week and a half. Candle and mark those air cells on day 7 and again on day 10. Adjust the humidity higher or lower depending on the air cell development. Check a few once again on day 14. If they look like they are right on track, keep the humidity right where it's been. If not, adjust. Check again right before lockdown on day 18, to be sure they are ready for hatching humidity. If the air cells are still too small, hold off on lockdown for another day. Then, raise that humidity as high as you can and wait for chicks to start popping out of their shells.
It can take several hatches to get the humidity levels perfect. And what is right for one person, won't work for another. And what works in June, might not work in January. It's something that you always need to monitor and keep track of.

 

[redsoxs]

p.s.
You'll find lots of information and experienced hatchers in this thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...n-chat-meet-new-friends-w-host-sally-sunshine

X2

 

[Elemes]

It will depend on what kind of hatching you're doing and when it is in incubation. I use a scale to check my eggs. Don't have any other fancy tools. But like they say, everyone has what works best for them in their environment/incubator. Good luck!!!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sending good hatching vibes your way.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!