Need Incubating Advice

[Tim Carter]

I'm new to incubating eggs this will be my first time. My Rite Farms 3600 Pro Circulated air incubator came in today. I set it up filled the water channels and set the temp to 100* as 99.7 is recommended. I will put 36 eggs in tomorrow evening after the unit equalizes.. Is there anything that I need to know to help this hatch be successful?

 

[WVduckchick]

Start by reading this
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

There is alot of information and helpful links in there.
Use your search bar at the top for any specific things you want to find out about.

Browse around this site, and be ready to get addicted to hatching! Haha

Welcome to BYC!! And good luck with your hatch!

 

[Tim Carter]

What is the correct humidity to start incubating? My instructions say around 45% but I've taken most of the water out and it is still at 55%. What do I do? Will it effect the humidity when I add the eggs? The unit has been running since last night and staying really consistent.

 

[WVduckchick]

Take all the water out and see where it goes. Many of us don't put any water in until the last 3 days.

 

[Tim Carter]

Thanks for the tip. We will try this and post results.

 

[WVduckchick]

And one other thing you can do, instead of filling the channels with water, is use a sponge in a shallow dish, and add water to it. You can adjust the size of the sponge according to how much humidity you need.

 

[Tim Carter]

Removed all water and humidity was holding at 29% added a little water and we are up to 35%. I guess keep adding a little at a time until proper humidity is reached.

 

[WVduckchick]

I like that range, but it depends on your location and local humidity levels... and elevation if you are in a high elevation area.

Just keep in mind that humidity is based on surface area, not the amount of water. So you can use tall thin containers (like a tall shot-glass) if you just need a little, but don't want to keep having to add some every day...

 

[Tim Carter]

. We just put our first 36 eggs going wish us luck.

 

[Tim Carter]

Thanks for all the help