Incubator floor getting wet during lockdown

[Jabs]

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all fine. I need some advice from the experts here on BYC. I built my own wooden chicken egg incubator right. It's working fine and I'm still trying to get my hatch rate to 100% (I know that this is probably being too optimistic). Briefly, my incubator design is as follows:

1. It is a 600 (W) x 800 (H).
2. It has four 42W bulbs (two at the top and two at the bottom). Basically two bulbs on each side.
3. Three fans (all at the top). Two fans are DC 12V and one is AC. I can't remember exactly how big the AC fan is, but it's a powerful fan.
4. Two small water trays, which are also located at the top where the fans are.
5. The fans blow the opposite direction of the door. The front is basically where the door opens (left hand outswing).
6. There are 5 vent holes at the top (in the front where the fans are mounted) for fresh oxygen and 10 holes on each side. So, 25 holes in total. The wholes are 8 mm (I think I used an 8 mm drill-bit if memory serves).
7. I use the egg cartons for setting and hatching. RH stays between 35% and 45% for the first 18 days and between 65% and 75% for the last 3 days.
8. On day 18 or 19, I move the eggs to the floor/bottom of the incubator.

Now, my problem is that the floor/bottom of the incubator gets wet during lockdown. So my concern is that some eggs may be affected by this little water on the floor. Has anyone ever experienced this?

Please shout if there's something not clear and I'll try to post/upload pictures.

Thanks.

 

[Bantambird]

When I set my eggs during lockdown, mine are on a wire suspended about a centimeter from the bottom of my Hatcher. I put in a towel or rubber shelf liner to keep toes safe, though it isn't necessary. When you bump up humidity, condensation is a side effect. If it gets too bad, try a snug fitting baking rack with hardware cloth over it, or some such. There is an educational thread dedicated to everything involved in hatching and incubation. One of the most active threads on the site, so you will get plenty of response there!

 

[WVduckchick]

Pictures would be great!

But just guessing... is the wood drawing in the moisture? Maybe line the bottom with something waterproof. Or use some type of grate to elevate the eggs slightly. Cookie cooling trays, or vegetable grilling trays come to mind. Cover with rubber shelf liner from the dollar store.

My other thought is if your meters are accurate? Did you test them? Simple salt test can be found online.

But the result, yes -- you do not want the eggs to be sitting on something wet.

 

[Jabs]

Hi Guys,

Thank you very much. I'll try what you suggested.

Cheers