Lockdown Temp swing...Is it bad?

[Sakai]

It's day 19.
Forced air incubator.
I'm finding that as the humidity rises close to 70% the temp drops. I know the extra moisture in the air is making it hard to warm up. Today my thermostat alarm went off because my incubator dropped to 95. this was after we put in hot water. It seems to slowly stabilize at 97.
I've a few questions.
1. Is this going to harm the chicks? I know temp fluctuations happen in nature, but I know lockdown is a very important time.
2. Will this delay the hatch?
3. Since their no external or internal pips yet, would it be a good idea to open the bator and switched out the bulbs for a stronger bulb?

 

[ChickensAndYoga]

It's day 19.
Forced air incubator.
I'm finding that as the humidity rises close to 70% the temp drops. I know the extra moisture in the air is making it hard to warm up. Today my thermostat alarm went off because my incubator dropped to 95. this was after we put in hot water. It seems to slowly stabilize at 97.
I've a few questions.
1. Is this going to harm the chicks? I know temp fluctuations happen in nature, but I know lockdown is a very important time.
2. Will this delay the hatch?
3. Since their no external or internal pips yet, would it be a good idea to open the bator and switched out the bulbs for a stronger bulb?

A temp around 98/99 would be more ideal. 97 wont necessarily harm them. They may be a bit later. I'd try to get it up a degree.

I would not switch to a hotter bulb. It takes time for them to reach true temp inside your incubator. And you run a major risk of it shooting up to lethal level or becoming very unstable.

If nobody has pipped yet I'd wait to add water again until you hear an internal pip. That indicated you're closer to hatch day.

Good luck!