temp & humidity ?

[andrea98]

i plugged my bator in lastnight & i put a digital therm in there that reads humidity also ...it is holding at 99.5 & 30% with no water in it .
what do i need to do before i set my eggs?
i will also have a turner in there also.
will the humidity change once i add the eggs?

 

[Califowlday]

What type of eggs are they? Chicken eggs need 99.7 degrees & 60% humidity. Put water in the correct compartment in your incubator. Read the instructions. Make sure the temp and humidity are correct before putting your eggs in. At about 2/3 the way through the hatch the incubator will warm up because the chicks will start making heat in their eggs so you will need to watch for this. If the humidity is too low your chicks will stick to their shells and die. If the humidity is too high they could drown. If the temp is too low 98< degrees they will be born late. If the temperature is too high 102> they will be born early and possibly be deformed in some way.
Hope this helps.
-Jaxy

 

[kathyinmo]

I am also preparing to start my first hatch, and am anxious to hear the replies. I have done alot of reading, and see there is mixed feelings on the humidity issue.

Andrea- Did you read the sticky at the top of this area? It is very informative, but also leaves more questions for newbies like me!

I have had my new (garage sale find!) bator plugged in for 24 hours. I have the temp regulated at right around 100, and I did put water in the tray, and humidity is at 37%. I am unsure what to begin with (humidity wise). All advise welcomed here.

Good luck!
Kathy

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Sorry to disagree with you but 60% humidity is too high for the first 18 days. 60-65% is what you want it the last 3 days. I run mine at 30% for the first 18 days and the bump it up to about 60% for the last 3 days and have good hatches consistantly.

 

[Pick-a-LilyFarm]

I agree with Katy....when I set my eggs for the first 18 days, I kept the humidity anywhere between 45 - 50%, and increased it to between 60 - 65% for the last 3 days. Worked great for me here in New Hampshire, with an LG still air and no turner. 9 out of 10 eggs hatched.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

You need to think about your humidity levels where you live. Different places need different humidity levels. Would you consider yourself dry, average or high humidity.
This affects your eggs. Altitude does too.
I tried following very well meant advice but it did not work for me. My peafowl were perfectly formed and ready to hatch but could not get through the membrane, they were shrink wrapped even though the humidity was 85% through lockdown. It was most likely due to the 35-55 humidity I carried for the first 18 days.
So I am going to set it at 60% for the first 18 days (but i will check, candle and weigh the eggs to see how they are progressing around 10 days. Then I will adjust.
If the bator is running hot or cold that affects the amount of air cell loss in the eggs too.
Changing weather and different seasons of the year could affect humidity too. There are so many variables to take into consideration. So monitor your eggs and if you have two incubators you can put the eggs that need more humidity in one and less humidity in the other. Move them as needed.
Again, what works for me won't necessarily work for you. The eggs will tell the story if you listen.
But keep the humidity up to 65-85% at lockdown. (depending on your humidity levels there)

 

[kathyinmo]

Well, since Katy lives nearest to my area (altitude wise) I will try the lower humidity. Mine is currently 37%, and holding steady. I have had it plugged in for more than 24 hours, testing it out. My temp stays right at 100, with very little fluctuation. I think I will be ready to start when I get some eggs.

Andrea, what are you gonna run yours at?

 

[Junkmanme]

Kathyinmo,

Since you haven't yet put eggs in your incubator, have you considered using a "water-weasel" / "water-wiggler" with your Thermometer?

I've been told that it gives you a more accurate temperature for the INSIDE of the eggs.

BEST Regards,

Bruce (Junkmanme)

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I used to use one, but I don't anymore. It just took up space I'd rather put eggs into. I think it was just one of those little "fads" that got started. My hatches haven't changed since I quit using it.

 

[andrea98]

Quote:
well i thought it was supose to be 35-40% for the 1st 18 days & bumped up to 80% the last 3 days. my bator is holding between 99 & 100 so all i have to do is pull the humidity up ..its at 22% rt now but i have not put any water in it at all.