South Carolina

[Lroach711]

Quote:
I've sort of started on my garden..we plowed it up a while back but have to go over it again before it's really ready. I've started several types of tomatoes, peppers and watermelons..and have a box full to the brim with other seeds

can't wait!!

 

[creepinturtle]

I'm a newbie ... from Mullins SC

been hatching out baby RIR's since late March. got 18 on their feet 46 eggs incubating

 

[CarolinaChickenKeeper]

Dear SC Peeps, I need a little help. I am a day before putting some eggs on lockdown in an old school styrofoam dry air incubator. Temps are good, but I'm having trouble increasing the humidity. I have both water chambers full, placed wet rags under wire throughout, lids filled with water, and wet sponges. I even started running the humidifier in the room the incubator is in. I'll try anything- not much time left. Humidity will still not get above 60%. Any other ideas to increase the humidity?

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

Quote:
I use the still air incubators.......be sure both chambers full, and wet sponges under wire if needed - I rarely do the sponges. Don't need to, usually.

Be sure you are getting the lid on and it is not slightly elevated, be sure a window has not lifted up a little, and that is all I can think of. I have had a window lifted a little so couldn't get my humidity up.

I hatch at around 50% - once the chicks start pipping, it will rise... I don't even bother to do more than add to chambers because I don't want the chicks to hatch sticky or take too long to dry.

Also - did you calibrate your hygrometer before using? It could be off......

You could put both plugs are in the top, and if you have been running your bator without the red plugs, and then put them in for lockdown, your temperatures will rise.
I incubate with one in and one out, and usually hatch that way too.

 

[Gold Griffin Chicken Mom]

Have you tried damp paper towels in top of the eggs?

Good luck!

 

[Joycats]

Quote:
Sorry to be so much trouble.

I usually don't request roosters, I assumed they would mark them too.
YEAH, I get a field trip to Amy Nadines farm!

Cannot wait

As for the garden, I'm in the same boat with you on that one. Fought all summer last year with my chickens over my tomatoes. They won in the end. This year I'm thinking I need to fence in the garden spot, but the americaunas and comets fly right over the 4' fence. I hate to use 6' chicken wire around it but I don't know anything else to keep them out. I did buy my tomato plants but they're just sitting on the porch right now. I keep watching to make sure the chickens don't find them. My greenhouse is full of chicks ....

 

[Joycats]

Quote:
I think 60% should be enough. When the chicks start to hatch the humidity will jump up anyway. I use these styrofoam incubators and have found that if my humidity is too high, the chicks drown in the shell so I tend to keep mine a little low. Best of luck!

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

Quote:
I think 60% should be enough. When the chicks start to hatch the humidity will jump up anyway. I use these styrofoam incubators and have found that if my humidity is too high, the chicks drown in the shell so I tend to keep mine a little low. Best of luck!

Should have no problems at 50%-60%........
what are you hatching?

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Quote:
Welcome to our SC thread!
The more the merrier on here and with chicks!

Carolinachickenkeeper,

If you are using a hygrometer I would change the batteries or get a different one. Mine are not always accurate but I do like to see the humidity around 60% so I think you are good to go for now.

 

[CarolinaChickenKeeper]

Quote:
I think 60% should be enough. When the chicks start to hatch the humidity will jump up anyway. I use these styrofoam incubators and have found that if my humidity is too high, the chicks drown in the shell so I tend to keep mine a little low. Best of luck!

Should have no problems at 50%-60%........
what are you hatching?

Silkies, Marans, Game/Mix, and some muts. My FnLaw gave me some eggs to hatch for him, And I only have silkies.