No water in the incubator!!!

[jameswells2019]

I put in 100 ml of water on day 1 when the incubation started and I checked the water today (day 7) and it was empty. If the water has been gone for days are the chicks dead? I am really worried. I just put another 100 ml of water in.

 

[SamuelMcF]

It does evaporate very quickly. I recommend getting a hygrometer so you can actually see accurately what the humidity is inside the incubator. It can fluctuate based on the humidity in your home too, so just following the guidelines of how much to put in the incubator is not accurate enough. I doubt they are dead at only 7 days but you will want to keep a close eye on it to make sure they have good humidity for the rest of the incubation period. When they get a little older you can candle them to see if they have developed more.

 

[Sgt_P]

Don't panic! It's probably fine.

Nature is tough! And even under a hen things happen and fluctuate with weather, etc.

But getting a hygrometer is a great suggestion. I got one from PetSmart in the reptile area that is digital, and battery operated, and was only about $10. I also stuck a "weather station" type from Lowes in the 'bator. It tells temp and humidity remotely (it also appears to be the most inaccurate. Ironically branded, Acu-rite.) It was about $20, and I can see it from the display that can go with me within the house. And lastly my incubator has a readout on top, so I triangulate the three, with my knowledge from trying to calibrate them. Not sure I trust any of the three, but I know I'm in the ballpark.

Lastly, while I'm far from an expert, I would suggest not "over-compensating" for what you think was a lack of humidity for a brief period. There are some great threads and articles about weighing eggs and tracking that to manage humidity. And obviously candling for a look at the aircells. You'll be fine!

 

[SamuelMcF]

Don't panic! It's probably fine.

Nature is tough! And even under a hen things happen and fluctuate with weather, etc.

But getting a hygrometer is a great suggestion. I got one from PetSmart in the reptile area that is digital, and battery operated, and was only about $10. I also stuck a "weather station" type from Lowes in the 'bator. It tells temp and humidity remotely (it also appears to be the most inaccurate. Ironically branded, Acu-rite.) It was about $20, and I can see it from the display that can go with me within the house. And lastly my incubator has a readout on top, so I triangulate the three, with my knowledge from trying to calibrate them. Not sure I trust any of the three, but I know I'm in the ballpark.

Lastly, while I'm far from an expert, I would suggest not "over-compensating" for what you think was a lack of humidity for a brief period. There are some great threads and articles about weighing eggs and tracking that to manage humidity. And obviously candling for a look at the aircells. You'll be fine!

Agreed. Calculating weight loss is by far the best way to make sure your humidity is right on.

 

[jameswells2019]

It does evaporate very quickly. I recommend getting a hygrometer so you can actually see accurately what the humidity is inside the incubator. It can fluctuate based on the humidity in your home too, so just following the guidelines of how much to put in the incubator is not accurate enough. I doubt they are dead at only 7 days but you will want to keep a close eye on it to make sure they have good humidity for the rest of the incubation period. When they get a little older you can candle them to see if they have developed more.

Is 60 a good humidity ? I’ve had it at 55 for the past 7 days.

 

[Sgt_P]

Is 60 a good humidity ? I’ve had it at 55 for the past 7 days.

Age old debate...

I think most of the advice I see on here is 35-45% until lockdown, then up it to 65-75%.

 

[Punkybrewster]

I personally keep mine between 30-40 and have great hatches. 60-65 at lockdown.

 

[SamuelMcF]

I personally keep mine between 30-40 and have great hatches. 60-65 at lockdown.

x2

 

[Punkybrewster]

...and keep an eye on the air cells. Google a chart to check the cells at day 7, 14 and 18. That will tell you how they are doing.