just put eggs in 'bator!! Humidity question!!

[mener6896]

Hi Y'all! this is my first time trying to hatch my own eggs. I have a Genesis 1588 with auto turner, I thought this is the easiest to use from what I've read on this site. But I have a few questions:

even though the temperature is exactly 100 degrees (I have 2 thermometers, 1 digital and 1 regular) as well as it's supposed to be preset at 100, the humidity is my issue.
my digital thermometer also has a humidity gauge. It only said 36% humidity, when I had water in the center area only. I tried to get it up before adding the eggs. I poured in more water to the surrounding areas, then added the eggs. The humidity got up to 65%. I took it all apart (the eggs had only been in for an hour) took out all the water and put more water into the center section only. I figured they said to only put it in the middle for a reason. I quickly added the eggs back, they were out less than 5 minutes.

Did I already screw up my first hatch? this is why I only started with 6 eggs!!

How exact does the humidity need to be?

signed, Paranoid!!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

36% is ok for day 1 threw 18 an 65% is great for days 19 20 an 21. Your good.

 

[mener6896]

thanks!! I'm just so nervous with my first try!!

 

[hinkjc]

I'm sure the eggs are fine. It sounds like you were very quick about it and it would be no worse than a mother hen taking a break from her nest. Good luck with your hatch!

 

[Mahonri]

I'm trying the dry method this time and trying to keep it between 30 and 35 for days 1-17.

 

[popcornpuppy]

two things:
#1. Alot of humidy gauges are off by as much as 7%. So depending on the kind you are using, the humidity may not have been as low as you first thought. There is a method to calibrate your humidity guage, I will have to find the link though.

#2. Your eggs should be fine. Eggs can go 20 min to half an hour before they get dangerously cold. A broody has to get off her eggs every day for food and water, so eggs can go short periods of time away from their heat source.

Good luck on your first hatch

 

[Bettacreek]

For some reason I was confused by the instructions for the humidity tray. I ended up guessing and dumping water into a random cell. Luckily it was the right one. I can't remember how it was set up, but I do know it was on the outside ring, close to the edge where I put my water.

 

[mener6896]

I really think my humidity gauge is correct. It was purchased from a medical catalogue for people with asthma (bought it for my son, but the eggs take priority

) But I'm calmed down a little that 36% is okay for days 1-18