Question about humidity

[Buster]

I removed all water from my incubator and the humidity reads 50%. Is this acceptable? I have had many eggs develop to day 18 at 60% humidity the entire time so my guess is that they are drowning when they pip the air sac because of the high humidity at the early stages. Apparently, I can't get it lower than 50%. I need some opinions on whether that will work or not. Thanks!

 

[perfectly_polish]

What day are they on? Do you have vent plugs in? You can open up your incubator to let some of the humidity out, do it for 5-10 minutes. It would be the same thing as the hen getting off the nest, so it won't really effect them, depending what day they're on.

 

[Buster]

They are on day 1- just set this morning. My question is whether 50% is a good humidity or if it still needs to be lower. I don't have vent plugs but would be able to open it if needed.

 

[perfectly_polish]

40-50% is good for the first 18 days, just remember to bump it up the last 3 days. But since it is only day one the humidity will go down after time, on its own, so it sounds good to me. Good luck with the hatch!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

This is JMO...I would get the humidity down to about 40% if you can. It will eventually evaporate and come down on it's own by tomorrow, I imagine. I don't think you have to do anything else. Remember the eggs need to lose about 14% of their weight by day 18 to assure that the chicks don't drown.

 

[Buster]

Quote:
So are you saying I should open the incubator and get it down to 40% as soon as possible or will it be ok to let it go down on its' own?

 

[perfectly_polish]

Quote:
So are you saying I should open the incubator and get it down to 40% as soon as possible or will it be ok to let it go down on its' own?

I personally think that they will be okay, 50% isn't too high, and they are only on day one. It will go down on it's own within a few days.

 

[Davaroo]

I removed all water from my incubator and the humidity reads 50%. Is this acceptable?

Yes

I have had many eggs develop to day 18 at 60% humidity the entire time so my guess is that they are drowning when they pip the air sac because of the high humidity at the early stages

Likely. 60% was considered the top end in the past. It was recommended to run 48-60% for the first 18 days, then 65% the last 3.
Tha range places 54% as your median. Ive had better luck with lower values, more in the 40's. I try to hold in the 40's nowadays.

 

[Buster]

Thanks everyone. Now set are 24 SS eggs and 3 BO eggs. I will leave it alone and I think it will be fine as long as I don't let it dip too much.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Buster....I meant that I didn't think you'd need to do anything...just let it come down on it's own. I agree with Davaroo...low 40"s is what I would shoot for.

I dry incubate so I don't add any water unless the humidity gets below 30%. I've just had too many chicks drown and found I have a higher hatch rate not worrying too much about the humidity...until day 18.