The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Arkansas81]

I have a little giant from tsc. I got a hydrometer from walmart, the low reading has stayed in the 30's, the high in the 90's, regualr humidity is 40-50%. Temp on both meters are 99.5-100. Water in the bottom, both plugs out.

I've had my bator running since monday, but I still am confused about the humidity...is my humidity right? I know you need it low for the first 18 days then raise it for lockdown. I don't have my eggs in there yet, so am I getting it right?

Should I not have water at all in there? Main question is about the humidity..thanks!

 

[lalaland]

Enjoying a beam of sun

These are nice cage chick feeders..it allows the chicks to get in and keeps all the other poultry out. They also use them to get away from other poultry.

Delish, I love that cage chick feeder. Never have seen one like that! wonder if I can find one somewhere....hmmm. maybe it is a regiional thing.
also love the chick pictures even though it is pushing my resolve!

 

[delisha]

I have a little giant from tsc. I got a hydrometer from walmart, the low reading has stayed in the 30's, the high in the 90's, regualr humidity is 40-50%. Temp on both meters are 99.5-100. Water in the bottom, both plugs out.

I've had my bator running since monday, but I still am confused about the humidity...is my humidity right? I know you need it low for the first 18 days then raise it for lockdown. I don't have my eggs in there yet, so am I getting it right?

Should I not have water at all in there? Main question is about the humidity..thanks!

I never run humidity over 40%. I prefer to keep it around 30%. Others like it higher, I live in high humidity, so I do not need higher humidity. After first pip I move it up to 65%.

 

[delisha]

Quote: I have quite a few of them..They are old as dirt. I have no idea if they make them any more. Try checking pigeon feeders and see if you can find any.

http://www.strombergschickens.com/product/large-grill-feeder-fount/pigeon-cage-supplies
I found these but they are made with different metal

 

[aoxa]

I never run humidity over 40%. I prefer to keep it around 30%. Others like it higher, I live in high humidity, so I do not need higher humidity. After first pip I move it up to 65%.

Are you using a hydrometer to monitor humidity, or just going by the digital read out on the 1588? Because mine reads 10% lower then my hydrometer which is accurate. Just thought I'd mention that. Never added water to my Genesis until hatch.

 

[Mumsy]

Mumsy - I know you're using your new 1588.

Del - Are you using yours too?

As your hatches go along, could you give us updates on how it's going and a comparison between your experiences with the LG vs the 1588?

I am having a bit of a tricky time with the humidity this first week but no worries. The Genesis 1588 has a fan that goes 24/7. My LG was still air. I used to do dry hatch and my natural room humidity ran 33%. The Genesis on dry run right now hits at 22% so I'm trying to find a balance on how much water to add so that it bumps up to 30% but doesn't bump past 40%. I never added liquid to the LG until day 18 and then just a little on sponges to keep it at 66%. Still working on this. I'm glad I decided to test Johnny eggs in it before putting in my Catdance eggs this coming Monday. I'm not stressing about it. I love the new bator but there is a slight learning curve with it.

 

[delisha]

Quote: I agree..I have lower humidity in the new bator. I think it is because of the fan. I tested accuracy before I put in eggs. It was running .05 off on temp and less than 2% on humidity. I have added zip lock bags with water inside. They rest along side with the tops slightly open. I average 25% -33% humidity. It dries out faster for sure. It stays pretty good and it sure is sealed tight.

 

[Sally8]

I have a little giant from tsc. I got a hydrometer from walmart, the low reading has stayed in the 30's, the high in the 90's, regualr humidity is 40-50%. Temp on both meters are 99.5-100. Water in the bottom, both plugs out.

I've had my bator running since monday, but I still am confused about the humidity...is my humidity right? I know you need it low for the first 18 days then raise it for lockdown. I don't have my eggs in there yet, so am I getting it right?

Should I not have water at all in there? Main question is about the humidity..thanks!

I have the same setup. My first hatch was a100% disappointment. My humidity stayed at 16%. It was hard to get it to increase. 2 eggs hatched but were stuck in the egg. Both died. I read where you can calibrate the hygrometer with iodized salt. The article said that we can't adjust the hygrometer but to adjust it mentally. After doing the salt test, if it's off by 10 then add that to the hygrometer reading each time. My salt isn't iodized but I'll ask my neighbor and try it tonight. I'll let you know tomorrow.

 

[Sally8]

sorry, posted twice. Not doing this again today.

 

[Arkansas81]

Should I not have put any water in it? I put water in the bottom where it goes. I took both plugs out this morning...I am guessing the big # for the humidity is the regular read out, then off to the side it has a high reading, low reading. I can't get those #'s to change at all, been 24hrs now. The big # has been in the 50's not much variation to it. Both themometers are holding steady at 99-100 degrees.

I'm thinking of taking out the water, I've read, people have said to keep the humidity in the 50's, high 40's. So I'm thinking maybe that will get those little #'s to change..I can't figure out if those little #'s are something to worry about?

Sally please do! Thanks!