Lockdown

[terrilhb]

Ok I keep reading about increasing the humidity during lockdown. Mine go in lockdown on the 17th. How do you increase it? Thanks. This is my first hatch

 

[sonjab314]

What kind of incubator do you have?

 

[terrilhb]

I have a 9200 Still Air.

 

[sonjab314]

Fill the troughs in the bottom of the bator with water. That should get your humidity up. What is your humidity at right now?

 

[terrilhb]

I don't know. Do not know how to check it. This is my 1st hatch. I keep the troughs full all the time. I also spray the eggs before I turn them and after I turn them. Is this bad?

 

[sonjab314]

Well there are two types of hatches, dry hatches and wet hatches. I use wet hatches because I am afraid that I am going to shrink wrap my babies. If you have all the throughs full, the humidity should be high enough. You need to go to Wal-Mart and get a thermometer/hygrometer. This is how you keep an eye on your humidity. I keep my humidity around 55% while I am incubating and I shoot for 65% to 70% durung lockdown. Other people do it different with the dry hatches. It is just your preference. Hope this helps you.

ETA: If you see condensation forming on your windows or if the eggs seem wet, open the vents. If the humidity is too high, your chicks can drown in their shell.

 

[terrilhb]

Thank you so much. It does help alot. I have 1 more question how do I make more humidity during lockdown or do I have enough cause the troughs are full? Thank you again

 

[sonjab314]

The only way to be sure if you need to raise your humidity or not is to get a hygrometer. They are around $10 at Wal-Mart. That is a staple in artificial incubation.

 

[terrilhb]

Thank you so much. Will do it. Will go tomorrow and get one