Just went into lockdown - I messed up - HELP

[johnj16]

Little Giant still air with automatic egg turner.

So today is day 18. When I began the lockdown process my humidity was 45%. I wanted to get it up to 65% so I added water to the designated areas. I suspect that some water leaked onto the bottom as well. Here is the problem. I removed the eggs from the turner and put them on the rack and now my humidity is in the high 80%. I know this is way to high!! What can I do to get the humidity back down? Also, what is the ideal temp for eggs during lockdown?

This is my first hatch guys and I have four little girls counting on me. Help me out please!!

JJ

 

[ranchhand]

If the red plugs are in, pull at least one. Maybe both, until the humidity gets to just above where you want it. Then put one back in.

 

[nivtup]

Humidity is a result of surface area.

You need to reduced the surface area. Use a sponge to get the water out of one of the troughs.

The eggs can take a short period of interuption, just me sure you have a wiggle in it when you do it.

 

[Coldweatherbirds]

My humidity went up to 76% last night when I did my first lock-down. I decided to let it be, b/c It's only been 20-37% the whole time up until now. I figured it would slowly go down on it's own. Tonight it is 70% exactly and I've got 2 pips! Good luck!

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Anytime you are messing with the LG after lockdown ( and no you shouldn't, but if you do,) go through the window instead of taking off the cover. Move quickly and if you burn your hand on the element, say ouch quietly and continue moving quickly. This helps in maintaining temp and humidity rather than removing the cover. If humidity levels skyrocket during hatch even with the plugs out, you can add more ventilation by cracking the window a teeny little bit.

 

[suburbanchickymama]

Good luck! I'm only on day 2 of my 1st go so I'm sure you're stressed! Hope it's stabilizing for you! Keep updating with your hatch!

 

[johnj16]

Ok, I am still quite stressed, but breathing a bit easier. One thing that I was doing wrong was I had the thermometer/hygrometer sitting right on the rack above the water. I think it was reading too high because it was pretty much right on the water. I took a tuna fish can and set it on there. The humidity has been dropping and is now at 74%. I am hoping by morning it will be in the mid 60's. However, as a worried parents tend to do, I have found something else to worry about. The temp seems to be fluctuating from 98 to 101. I have heard this is common in the LG. I hope it stabilizes!!

Thanks for all the good advise.

JJ

 

[Gypsy07]

I run my lockdowns above 80% and don't have problems with it. It's not necessarily a disaster...

 

[jennifersmith326]

my hummidity has been between 70 and 85 and I have hatched 28 out of 40 eggs so far and they were just due last night on the 20th

 

[ColbyNTX]

Just don't worry so much and don't mess with the temp. The temp only changes if you change it or the room has big temp swings or sunlight hits the bator. I have used a LG and kept it in the laundry room with no windows and steady temp. I didn't have all the problems so many have after I learned to leave the darn thing alone. That humidity won't hurt them unless you have a high temp spike. High humidity and high temps kill. Keep it about 99 degs and you will be fine.