Question about my Brinsea Octagon 20

[Lil'ChickFarm]

I just set it up to test it out. I have some eggs coming on Saturday, so I need to be ready.
I thought it came with a hydrometer. It doesn't appear to have anything on it that measures humidity.
Am I missing something?
What type do you all use in yours? I need to get one ASAP! Thanks.

 

[Fred's Hens]

No, it doesn't come with one. Nothing in the advertising for it suggests that it does.

However, a small hygrometer, digital type, can be purchased for as little as $8. Although listed on the website, the local Wally World did not have them.

Our house stays pretty constant at around 40-50% humidity, which is plenty good for the first 18 days. I've been pretty cautious about adding a whole lot of water until the final hatching period. Then, I'll fill the grooves with water and may ever add a small, thin sponge, laying it right under the egg rack. It fits nicely down there.

If your house runs a desert like 20% humidity, then I would advise some water from day 1.

 

[Lil'ChickFarm]

My house is close to 50 percent and I was concerned that it was high.
Also I see that it is 102 degrees in there. WHAT? It is supposed to be set at 99.5......

 

[Fred's Hens]

In reading the directions that come with the machine, you will see how to adjust the temperature. Using a tiny screwdriver, a jeweler's type screwdriver, rotate the adjusting knob counter clockwise to lower the setting.

Make 1/4 turn adjustments. Wait for the machine to stabilize. This takes at least a half an hour. Continue making small, 1/4 turn adjustments until the temp is right where you want it. Personally, I like it to almost touch the 100 degree mark.

 

[Lil'ChickFarm]

Thanks Fred. That is what I figured. I was just disappointed that it didn't come set at what it is supposed to be.
Spent all this money and thought I was getting something that you set up and use, lol.

 

[Lil'ChickFarm]

Ok turned it one quarter turn counter clockwise. Thank goodness I have a couple days here before the eggs come home. They are local silkie eggs and I am so excited. My last silkie eggs all died in the egg in my LG bator, so this has to be a success for my heart.