Temp./Humid. Ranges for specific breeds

[KatatonicMC]

So I have decided to try incubating/hatching eggs at home for the first time. There is so much varying info on the temperature and humidity ranges out there just thought I would ask some advice on some more experienced than I.
I plan to get some hatching eggs locally and have decided on Silkies, Cochin Bantam/Silkie crosses, and I may also try some Ayam Cemani just because I found them locally.
I purchased a small tabletop incubator (unfortunately don’t have them name or model in front of me now) which does have forced air heating, auto egg turning, digital thermo/hygro display, nice water source + backup and a candling light. I did however purchase an additional candling light (supposed to be brighter) and an additional thermo/hygro. just in case.
I know it will be different based on many variables but any advice on temp and humidity ranges for these specific breeds to start. Only planning to try maybe a dozen or so the first go round which is what the max is for chicken eggs in this particular incubator.
Thanks!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

With chickens and most other poultry, the standard is 99.5F for heat the entire incubation.

Humidity 40-45% until lockdown, then 70%.

I am a silkie breeder with around 2 dozen hatching every five days. This is what I stick with. The only thing I do differently is a 4 or 5 day lockdown as opposed to a 3-day one. Reason being is silkies can sometimes hatch early. The soonest was 18 days (1). Many on the 19th day, and most are pipping on day 20, hatching then or on the 21st day.

The one thing I would recommend is getting yourself a good hygrometer/thermometer. Set up the incubator at least one day ahead of putting eggs in it, and check it. Most incubators are off a little. Many of us use Govee brand on Amazon, but there are many good ones out there.

One other hint is, if this lets you remove the racks and you have a flat base for them to hatch on, get a roll of that rubbery cupboard liner that's ventilated, and cut a piece to fit it. Then when you shut off rotation and take the rack(s) out, put that in there. That's good for them to learn to walk on and helps prevent splayed legs.

 

[2ndTink]

@Debbie292d has tons of silkie hatching experience, way more than I do! I don't see anything in the breeds you list that would need different incubator conditions.

I use a touch lower humidity than Debbie, but I live in a humid area, so I target 40% the 18 days and 65% for lockdown. Just watch the air cell development and that is a good indicator if you are on the right track.

You will also want a calibrated thermohygrometer in the incubator to be sure it is operating and reading correctly.