Question about lock down

[Mriker03]

Today is day 18 so locking down. Do I still put the thermometer on top of the eggs ? Also having trouble with humidity can't get it above 65 I have filled all water trays and also out 2 small ball jars with sponges in them. Just started a humidifier in the room . Any suggestions ? Thanks in advance for any answers

 

[tec27]

Yea still keep the thermometer on top. It won't hurt anything. If you have water in there, you can just assume that the humidity is fine. At 65% you're pretty good. Your hygrometer might just be off.

 

[actjac55]

I move my thermometer so it's out of the way. 65 for humidity is pretty good from what I have read and personal experience.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know what kind or model of incubator you have. I have a forced air and use a thermometer through a vent hole, so I don't worry about the thermometer being inside during lockdown.

Humidity is a matter or water surface area. It sounds like you've done the right things, so a couple of questions. First, an obvious one. Did you put cold water in when you filled it? If so it takes time for the water to heat up and bring the humidity up. So you need to give it time. I know. A dumb question, but someone has to ask the dumb ones. I can do that.

The other is a bit sneakier, and yeah, I've done this one. Is your lid on tight? During lockdown you need the vents open so you get good air exchange. Those chicks need oxygen to breathe. But if you have too much ventilation, like if the lid did not go back on right, you may have too much. I did that once during incubation when I did not get the turner electrical cord in the groove right. I just could not figure out why the humidity was so low for quite a while. Then it became obvious. I had too much ventilation.

I'm happy with 65% humidity during lockdown, but with all you've done, it seems like it should be higher. Something just does not sound quite right.

Humidity should go up quite a bit when they start hatching and adding all that moisture in there. Don't worry about that if you see it.

Good luck!!!