Incubating in classroom

[chicken83]

Hi all,

I am about to start hatching chicks in a R Com incubator but the humidity wont go above 18%. I have added water and it is taking hours. WHen is is safe to put the eggs in?

Thanks

 

[kuchchicks]

First, do you know your hygrometer is accurate? Second, if it is then you can try adding wet sponges. I usually have trouble getting my humidity high enough during hatching. I fill all of my troughs and still only gets me to about 45%. Once I add the sponges I can get up to 75% which is where I like it during lock down.

As for the plugs, you can add them. How many are on this bator? You do want to make sure that you do have good air circulation. If you have more than one, you can always leave one out. I personally never put mine in. You should be able to get your humidity high enough without them if you try to sponges. If that does not work, let us know.

And BTW... welcome!

 

[kuchchicks]

The other thing I forgot to say is that yes sometimes it does take a little while to raise the humidity.... you say it is taking hours. Yesterday I went into lock down and my bator always takes a good few hours to re-set with the correct temp and stabilize the humidity.

As far as adding your eggs go, if your temp is stable then you should be good to add your eggs. The humidity can continue to be raised while the eggs are in the bator. You will know on days 7 and 14 if your humidity is correct based on your air cells when you candle. If they are too small/large you can make adjustments to your humidity based on what they look, like. But like I said, if your temp is good go ahead and add your eggs.

Good luck!

 

[lazy gardener]

Beware, when you add your eggs, your temp may drop. A lot of newbies make the mistake of jumping on the thermostat at that point and end up playing thermostat yoyo. If your thermostat has been holding steady for 24 hours before putting in your eggs (I like to put sealed water bottles = to the volume of eggs in during that time.) You shouldn't have to make any temp adjustments when the eggs go in. It may take the temp 12 hours or more to stabilize after eggs go in. Humidity is a long term issue, and you don't need to worry about it initially. I urge you to read ALL of "Hatching 101" in the learning center. Also recommend "dry hatching" method.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

First, do you know your hygrometer is accurate? Second, if it is then you can try adding wet sponges. I usually have trouble getting my humidity high enough during hatching. I fill all of my troughs and still only gets me to about 45%. Once I add the sponges I can get up to 75% which is where I like it during lock down.

As for the plugs, you can add them. How many are on this bator? You do want to make sure that you do have good air circulation. If you have more than one, you can always leave one out. I personally never put mine in. You should be able to get your humidity high enough without them if you try to sponges. If that does not work, let us know.

And BTW... welcome!

Beware, when you add your eggs, your temp may drop. A lot of newbies make the mistake of jumping on the thermostat at that point and end up playing thermostat yoyo. If your thermostat has been holding steady for 24 hours before putting in your eggs (I like to put sealed water bottles = to the volume of eggs in during that time.) You shouldn't have to make any temp adjustments when the eggs go in. It may take the temp 12 hours or more to stabilize after eggs go in. Humidity is a long term issue, and you don't need to worry about it initially. I urge you to read ALL of "Hatching 101" in the learning center. Also recommend "dry hatching" method.

Xs 2 on both of these.