Incubator Humidity Issues

[mgipson04]

I am having issues with my incubator's humidity. I am unable to get it to remain between 40 and 50%. A few minutes ago when I checked it was at 70%. I emptied all of the water and filled only one well. It is up to 60% now. I have 24 eggs in it at this time. Last year, I did not have this problem, but have moved to a new house also. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Rose Quartz]

could you give a bit more info, the new water you added, was it warm? how long has it been in there has it been staying at 60% consistently for you for more than 4 hours, or is it still dropping down?

I've had a lot of humidity issues before with home made incubators, what is your set up? is it possible the lid isn't on just right?

you could try adding sponges, (they've never really worked for me but I've only used home made incubators) I can help you trouble shoot for maybe half an hour, it's really late here (2:30am) so I'll be going off line pretty soon.

 

[mgipson04]

The water was room temperature when I added it. When I had the lid securely on before emptying the water prior the humidity at 70% for atleast an hour and a half. I have a farm innovations incubator. I removed the two red plugs but that didn't help. I am getting ready to check the humidity again. I left a small gap this time to allow the humidity to possibly better regulate.

 

[mgipson04]

The water was room temperature when I added it. When I had the lid securely on before emptying the water prior the humidity at 70% for atleast an hour and a half. I have a farm innovations incubator. I removed the two red plugs but that didn't help. I am getting ready to check the humidity again. I left a small gap this time to allow the humidity to possibly better regulate.

It is at 68% right now. I did crack the lid just a little to help decrease the humidity.

 

[Rose Quartz]

It is at 68% right now. I did crack the lid just a little to help decrease the humidity.

oooooh, I misunderstood I thought you were trying to raise the humidity. 70% should be fine for hatching. My minimum for hatching is 55% but I've had it up to 78% with out any problems.



if it gets super high like 80% or higher and you are desperate to lower it you can add a container of dry rice. I wouldn't run your incubator with the lid open if you can avoid it. you'll get hot and cold spots and you could deform the lid.

 

[mgipson04]

oooooh, I misunderstood I thought you were trying to raise the humidity. 70% should be fine for hatching. My minimum for hatching is 55% but I've had it up to 78% with out any problems.



if it gets super high like 80% or higher and you are desperate to lower it you can add a container of dry rice. I wouldn't run your incubator with the lid open if you can avoid it. you'll get hot and cold spots and you could deform the lid.

Thank you!
This is the first full day so I wasn't sure if the humidity would harm them or not. I will close the lid back and check in the morning and let you know. Do you think allowing the humidity to stay there for the first 18 days will be ok?

 

[Rose Quartz]

Thank you!
This is the first full day so I wasn't sure if the humidity would harm them or not. I will close the lid back and check in the morning and let you know. Do you think allowing the humidity to stay there for the first 18 days will be ok?

oh wow, for days 1 -18 That's REALLY high I... am tired and I guess misunderstanding a lot tonight.

Personally I run days 1-18 DRY. I usually average 12% RH. and I adjust it based on the size of the aircell on days 7,14, and 18.

You said you moved.... if you're in a more humid climate... (I'm in Nova Scotia near the ocean = really humid) then you can run the first week with no added water. it's easier to fix too dry than too wet. To check the air cell size I use the light on my phone.

I got the chart here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-eggs-just-21-days-from-egg-to-chicken.47696/

your air cells wont necessarily be exactly the same but, it's what to aim for.

 

[mgipson04]

oh wow, for days 1 -18 That's REALLY high I... am tired and I guess misunderstanding a lot tonight.

Personally I run days 1-18 DRY. I usually average 12% RH. and I adjust it based on the size of the aircell on days 7,14, and 18.

You said you moved.... if you're in a more humid climate... (I'm in Nova Scotia near the ocean = really humid) then you can run the first week with no added water. it's easier to fix too dry than too wet. To check the air cell size I use the light on my phone.

View attachment 1387347
I got the chart here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-eggs-just-21-days-from-egg-to-chicken.47696/

your air cells wont necessarily be exactly the same but, it's what to aim for.

When I got up this morning the humidity was down to 43 and has stayed in the 42-49 range all day. Hopefully it was just trying to regulate itself. Thank you so much for your help and advise!

 

[Rose Quartz]

When I got up this morning the humidity was down to 43 and has stayed in the 42-49 range all day. Hopefully it was just trying to regulate itself. Thank you so much for your help and advise!

NP! glad it's working now.