Trouble Shooting Incubating Eggs

[crazy chook]

So my first two hatches were a disaster and only one chick hatched from each lot set. So now that I have had some advise on why they may not have hatched (temp too low / humidity too high / not enough oxygen) I have modified the incubator and I can't get the humidity over 23% It is a home made incubator - styrofoam box type. Temp is now set at 37.4 - 37.9, it has a number of oxygen holes, shallow dish with 2 sponges full of water and has a fan to circulate the air.

Any other changes and do I need to bump up the humidity before i set any eggs? I am worried I wont get many hatch again...so want to make it right this time.

 

[kathyinmo]

23% humidity will be too low. You will need to raise that. I incubate at 30 - 35%, and then raise it to 60 - 65% the last 3 days, for the hatch.

ETA: Be sure to calibrate your hygrometer, so you know your humidity accurately.

 

[crazy chook]

I have added another water dish and sponges and it is now at 34% I will see if it stays the same after 12 hours or so.
I just dont know if I will be able to raise to 60% when its time for lock down.