Incubators Anonymous

[sillycmoy]

yes, I did it twice before setting the eggs. I had it up and running for about 5 days before I added eggs.

 

[ozexpat]

Hello Everyone.

I am getting the HovaBator 1588 in the next couple of weeks. I am in VA and I was wondering what the humidity should be for the first 18 days and what it should be the last three day ?

Thanks

dry incubation is the most common style practiced here. I dont add water to my 1588 til lockdown

read the hatching 101 in my signature for gret details

 

[DMRippy]

When they start to hatch the humidity will jump up some. Can you add a sponge to the water to act like a wick?

 

[sillycmoy]

I just added another rolled up paper towel. All of which are placed under the plug holes so I can add water to them with a straw if needed. But I already have 2 sponges in there in the bowls of water that are completely full, and they are sticking out of the water about an inch. I don't know. I know I live in Utah, and its drier then dry here right now. I don't even know if the 2 eggs will even hatch. First hatch, and it was really tester eggs, the hatch was even iffy anyways.

Thanks everyone! I will just have to watch.

 

[ozexpat]

I just added another rolled up paper towel. All of which are placed under the plug holes so I can add water to them with a straw if needed. But I already have 2 sponges in there in the bowls of water that are completely full, and they are sticking out of the water about an inch. I don't know. I know I live in Utah, and its drier then dry here right now. I don't even know if the 2 eggs will even hatch. First hatch, and it was really tester eggs, the hatch was even iffy anyways.

Thanks everyone! I will just have to watch.

With that much moist surface area, you've covered all bases.

Good luck

The cheering squad waits for photos.

 

[bosingleton]

nice looking eggs.... what is that little tiny one in the middle??

Just a fart egg.

 

[ki4got]

Hello Everyone.

I am getting the HovaBator 1588 in the next couple of weeks. I am in VA and I was wondering what the humidity should be for the first 18 days and what it should be the last three day ?

Thanks

as I've said all along, I dry incubate (adding NO water for the first 18-19 days) and then up it to 55-65% for lockdown. I have 4 hovabators with fans and 3 auto turners (old style thermostats). the 4th one I use as a dedicated hatcher so I can set eggs about every 5 days or so. if I start getting enough eggs to set at once, I may turn a second one into dual purpose incubator/hatcher as needed, but for now it's only a hatcher when I have chicks hatching at the same time that I need to keep separate (similar looking breeds, different breeders with the same breed, etc)

 

[ki4got]

I need some ideas…. This is my first hatch, test hatch. I had only 4 true fertile eggs, and 2 of which have quit. Makes me sad, but they were iffy to hatch before we even set them. Anyways. They are Bantams, everyone said lockdown day 18, so I did that yesterday, but I can't get the humidity up past 55%. I have the cheap o LG still air, haven't had any issues with it the till now. Kept a steady temp the whole hatch, but I can't get the humidity up. I do have both plugs out for air flow, and I have all 3 tubes as full as they can get, I have 2 large soaking wet sponges in there, and 3 rolled up paper towels that are wet and then 2 plastic bowls with water. I have only opened it up once in 24 Hours to add another sponge and a paper towel roll. That was around 8 hours of the humidity not raising. This morning its still at 55%. Today is day 19. What else can I do to bring up the humidity, because I only want to open it up one more time.

Thanks for any tips.

have you calibrated your hygrometer? I would say that is your issue not the incubator. just leave it there and let it go. 55% is as high as I usually go, as chicks start hatching they'll bring it up some.

edit: saw you mentioned you calibrated it twice... if it's an electronic hygrometer, they're not always reliable at higher humidities, since the high humidity moisture can cause electrical issues. the most reliable is a wet bulb hygrometer/thermometer. but I find accuracy isn't required, just learning what works for your incubator will.

also, still air, you will have humidity higher in some spots than others because there's no air circulation so the reading may not be entirely accurate. I hate still air incubators personally, because they are a PITA to get anything right IMO.

 

[sillycmoy]

Well it is a digital, and I did the salt in the cup in and zip lock bag twice. On the incubator, it was the only one available in my area, and I didn't want to wait to have one shipped. So its what we are working with right now. So we will just wait and see.

 

[Ridgeline Hens]

Thursday we will set our 6th batch in my home made bator, It can only hold a dozen LF eggs, which is plenty for us,( small tators 4-H 'ers), What I have found to be most rewarding is to hatch at my place of work. I work at an Assissted living facility, and the residents really love the whole incubating and hatching process, I keep the chicks in a home made brooder box for 2 weeks before bringing them home, Most of our residents are children of the great depression, and had chicks and chickens at home when they were small, it takes them back to a time dear to their hearts, this will be the second time I have hatched a batch at work, and I enjoy it as much as our seniors. By the grace of a very generous breeder we will be setting some very sought after Salmon Faverolles this week. Oh yeah, I am a hatching addict! Best Wishes Phil.