Incubation questions

[Schultz]

My husband has started to make a homemade incubator designed similar to Miss Prissy's and Speckledhen's concept. I have a few questions though. This will be our first incubation and we are going to try BO eggs and Jersey Giant crossed with BO. What I am wondering is the approximate temperature and humidity and at what stages. I have read quite a few things but haven't really come across large bird incubation temps and humidity. Also, should we check the incubator for a few days before adding eggs to make sure the temp is stable (that would make sense to me). Also, when should I candle them if at all. I know 99% of my eggs are fertile because everyone I use has the little "bullseye" on the yolk. Is candleing necessary, I just don't want to hinder the incubation process. Thanks for any insight you can give!!!


Thank you Miss Prissy and Speckledhen for the incubator concept!!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

99.5 is the norm for all chicken eggs. Humidity is very hotly debated. I have been useing 14% the first 18 an 75% the last 3. The book says 50% an 60% I think. Many on here use 35% an 60%. I usually don't candle.

 

[Schultz]

Thank you for that insight rebelcowboysnb. I love your hatching cam, very awesome. Are you hatching large or small birds or does it matter?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

All mine are standard. I think bantams are the same tho. I'm sure someone else will know.

 

[Schultz]

Ok thank you very much!