Pips in new Dickey...??? for Dickey owners

[perolane]

My first batch of 14 test eggs are starting to pip now in my new Dickey incubator...today is day 20.

I also have 2 more larger batches for staggered hatches a week apart in there.

I've been following Mr. Dickey's recomendations for this bator which are:
* Temp 99.5 (have been holding steady 99.5 - 99.8)
* Humidity 53% - 55% throughout incubation & hatching
* At first pip...mist the eggs in the hatching tray with warm water twice daily

In my other incubators, I've always dry hatched as it's so humid here in Louisiana...35% - 40% humidity with no added water...on day 18, I'd up humidity to about 65% with just a very small container of water.

How do you Dickey owners hatch in your Dickey?? Do you follow the recomendations above?? I've had to cover 3/4 of the water pan with foil to keep the humidity @ 53% - 55%.
The top air vent is 1/2 open & the bottom is 1/3 open. Do any of you have problems with keeping humidity that high during incubation??

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Yes, getting the humidity up to where it ought to be for those final three days is always a bit of a tussle.

This time I'm trying using those O-cel-o sponges standing on end in the water tray to provide the extra humidity. Seems to be working so far.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I only borrowed a Dickey for a few months, but I never misted the eggs. I've found that dry hatching works better for me...don't know why. I did, however, have a few decent hatches in the Dickey and I did it like he suggested..keeping it around 55% for the whole incubation and hatch. When the chicks start hatching, a LOT of humidity is created and you will find it go up on it's own. I guess the exception would be if there were only a few eggs in it.

The fan is so strong and I've wondered if that contributes to losing humidity. I guess it depends on your ambient room humidity.

Good luck...and do let us know how your hatch went!!

 

[perolane]

Mr. A.T > getting the humidity up is not the problem ...if I uncover the water pan that I covered most of with foil, it'll shoot up to the 70's real quick! I didn't think humidity would be a problem for you being in Florida. I have always bumped up the humidity for hatches...but his instructions are to keep humidity at 53% - 55% all 21 days...only misting the eggs that are in the hatching tray. I've never hatched this way before & just wanted to know how the rest of you hatched in your Dickeys.

Three Cedars Silkies > will certainly let ya'll know how it ends. Just had one pip, zip, & completely out & chirping in 20 minutes flat!! Temp @ 96.5 & humidity @ 53%

 

[perolane]

UPDATE: 6 showgirls hatched so far......4 more with pips!

Temp currently 99.6 Humidity 53%
Hate to go to work today

Forgot to mention...these are shipped eggs!!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
Good Luck!

I just got a dickey a week ago and have several batches in it already.

 

[perolane]

Looks like it will be 10 out of 14...for shipped eggs, I ain't complaining!!

I'll give the other 4 another day or so just in case