Shelf paper in incubator and humidity...

[IggiMom]

I put the porous shelf paper on the bottom on my incubator, 1588 Genesis, at the suggestion of some on the forum, and I can see that it will protect their feet and keep egg shells from getting all over. It also keeps the eggs from rolling.

I had two chicks previously who had gotten their little feet trapped in the edge of the wire at the bottom of the incubator. This will prevent that.

HOWEVER--I cannot keep the humidity up. I am thinking that the shelf paper is keeping the water at the bottom from evaporating.

What to do? I keep misting the eggs, which helps, but the humidity goes back down fairly quickly.

I am thinking that perhaps I should take the shelf paper out and perhaps put in clean tea towels. This will be hard, though, because it is full of eggs--my last hatch of the summer, because I have to leave and go to my son's wedding!

I am somewhat distressed over this, because I thought that finally I had the incubating thing down, and it looks as if, well, I don't.

Help!

Catherine

 

[Katy]

I use it in mine, and don't have an issue with the humidity, but I always add a sponge for the last three days to keep the humidity higher.

 

[Goose and Fig]

I'm glad you posted this question- I'm about to start another batch, and I bought the shelf liner too. Hmmmmm.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

I use the shelf paper too (the rubbery stuff with holes all in it). I don't put water in the troughs until day 18. I fill a juice glass with water and sit it under the thermostat. It takes care of humidity AND works like a heat sink. It very consistantly keeps my humidity around 35-40%. On day 18 I fill the troughs on the bottom and put the liner back down. That pushes the humidity up to over 75%. Putting the plugs back in can get it up even higher.
Works great!

Good luck with your hatch!

 

[al6517]

I also use the shelf/drawer liners and don't have an issue with humidity, they work great the holes in it seem to not hinder the humidity flow. Sounds like you may have to focus elsewhere.

AL

 

[IggiMom]

Quote:
Thanks, folks. That is what I am using, the rubbery stuff with the holes in it.

I put a glass of water in the middle, so we will see.

Catherine