incubator humidity unstable

[nicoschill]

I'v just bought an incubator (32 eggs - automatically turned) and I m just about to incubate my duck eggs. I've switched it on for two days to learn how to function it properly before putting the eggs inside for incubation. The temperature is almost kept fix to 99.5 F. The only problem is that humidity is a little bit unstable. I occasionally add water when needed trying to keep the humidity stable to 55%. But sometimes it drops to 52 or even goes to 58% does that really matter? If it's ok, then what would be the range to keep the embryo safe? between 50-60% would be fine?

 

[chickens really]

I incubate my Duck eggs on their side and hand turn...99.5 is the temp I use and I set the humidity to 50% till the last week..I then drop it down to 40% till lock down and raise it to 55%....
My incubators are forced air...

I have had 100% hatch rate...

 

[nicoschill]

Thank you so much for your reply. So would you suggest to bring the huminity down to 50? Because now it is set to 55. My incubator works with a fan. The model is Ridgeyard for 32 eggs.

 

[chickens really]

I would...I am not familiar with that incubator though..

 

[nicoschill]

thank you for your answer. I understand. I really appreciate your concern to help me

 

[chickens really]

Is that a styrofoam incubator?.....I have two incubators...A hovabator 1588 and a Little Giant ....These both hold lots of eggs too..Forced air with digital display...

I use 50% Humidity and then 40% the last week to get the air cells the right size before lock down...Then I up it to about 55 to 60% during the hatch......I am no expert although I have have two 100% hatches and working on 9 Appleyard Duck eggs and 3 Call/Appleyard....The other incubator has 5 Calls and Then my Broody Hen is setting 3 Chicken eggs and 3 Call eggs....So far everything looks fantastic..They first are due on the 26th...

 

[nicoschill]

Cool. Thank you so much for your information dear Shannon. Sorry man but I'm new in this so I really don't know what you mean styrofoam incubator. I took a photo of my incubator hoping that you can figure out what type it is. I read carefully its instructions and says that until the 18th day should be kept to 55% and then from the 18th and onwards to bring it up to 65%. Don't you think this is too high? I read so many articles and views on humidity that I'm very confused now. There are people that even say that they keep a 35-40% humidity so that the embryo will not be drowned in egg liquid. What do you suggest? Check also my incubator in photo too.

 

[nicoschill]

You can also check this short video of the 8 best ten incubators. Mine is number 4. (but for 32 eggs and not 56)