Question on Humidity in Incubator

[suzieq]

I am hatching 28 eggs in my Hovabator 1605 N with the fan upgrade.
I have read here that humidity for the first 1-18 days should be between 40-50 and the from day 18 on 60-75%.

I was unable to find a calibrated humidity meter but am going to lowes today. I just have a gauge type in there now. The guy at the hardware says it runs 5 degrees off each way.

It is day three for me and the humidity is high 65 % . Is this detrimental. I can't take water out obviously but will not add any more until it is much lower.

I am very excited about this and can't stop looking in there. Just want to make sure I haven't hurt them.

Susan

 

[william9792]

the humitdy is inportant as temp. you can do a search on how to calbrate a humidty guage, and do it to see how far the guage is off

 

[BaronRenfrew]

Hey: I've got the same bator and you should try to keep the humidity lower. The first day they get settled in, but I found you should try to hit the recommendations on the nose. I found that the only reliable system for humidity is a wet bulb thermometer.. I bought 3 different hygrometers and got 3 different readings.

I found that the best was the basement for the bator with no water added (basements are generally damp to start with).

here's a site with a download from The U of Virginia that spells things out www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/poultry/factsheets/8.html

you are better with the humidity too low than too high (the embryos drown). good luck

 

[cgmccary]

yeah, open your vents & let it dry up completely; do not refill the water pan until the last 3 days -- run it dry --this will allow the chicks to make up for the high humidity these first few days. They need to lose 11-16 % of the egg's weight & they are very forgiving of high humidity for a few days if given a chance.

I weigh my eggs when I put them in and then at 7 days. I either add more water or run it dry depending on how much weight they've lost. I also keep an eye on the size of the air sac.

 

[suzieq]

Thank you for your input...this has helped/

Susan