What is the ideal humidity for hatching in an incubator?

[PD-Riverman]

I am just test running it right now...in fact I don't have any fertile eggs.. my banty is laying fertiles so I might hatch them..

Is there anything to know about hatching banty eggs?

You set-up for bantams the same way----they might hatch a day earlier than full size eggs.

Question again, how do you plan to keep your temp steady at around 100 degree's?

 

[PD-Riverman]

I am just test running it right now...in fact I don't have any fertile eggs.. my banty is laying fertiles so I might hatch them..

Is there anything to know about hatching banty eggs?

Another thing-----Just For Info----I build Alot of things, and I get alot of enjoyment doing this. I home-built my own incubator and have hatched over 2000 chicks with it in the last several months. When I build something I do my Home-work to find out what "it" needs to do----then I start building. Its no fun to me to build something that Is Not Going to work. When it comes to a incubator---there is not alot of room for mistakes and eggs are Not to forgiving if you are way off. If you can not get a thermostat to help you and you want to incubate some eggs. YOU will have to become the Human thermostat. You will need to increase your bulb size as mentioned to be able to get your temp up----a dimmer will help, but if you could afford that---get the thermostat mentioned first. You will have to stay real close to your incubator for 3 weeks, turning it off every time your temp gets up to 102(top of the eggs), turning it back on when it drops to around 100. Good Luck!

 

[WinterChicks]

Another thing-----Just For Info----I build Alot of things, and I get alot of enjoyment doing this. I home-built my own incubator and have hatched over 2000 chicks with it in the last several months. When I build something I do my Home-work to find out what "it" needs to do----then I start building. Its no fun to me to build something that Is Not Going to work. When it comes to a incubator---there is not alot of room for mistakes and eggs are Not to forgiving if you are way off. If you can not get a thermostat to help you and you want to incubate some eggs. YOU will have to become the Human thermostat. You will need to increase your bulb size as mentioned to be able to get your temp up----a dimmer will help, but if you could afford that---get the thermostat mentioned first. You will have to stay real close to your incubator for 3 weeks, turning it off every time your temp gets up to 102(top of the eggs), turning it back on when it drops to around 100. Good Luck!

Okay thanks.

To keep my temp I'm gonna monitor it for the test run and get the right watt bulb in it, and run it for about a week (I have to collect eggs for it anyways).

 

[lzufelt]

> This is what you want to see! I have been told numerous times that there is no exact number you can put on your humidity. As long as your air cells are developing and are approximately the same as the diagram above you are on track!
If your air cells are to small you need less humidity = less water
If your air cells are to large you need more humidity = more water

 

[El michoacano]

I have question. in the incubator instructions it says that it needs to be 55% first 18 days an last 3 days 60-65% but i don't no if that's the right humidity Cuz i have it at 53% but I don't no if humidity goes down at night

 

[lzufelt]

For us, the humidity did go down at night time. It all depends on where you live. We are from Ontario, Canada and because our home is so hot and we heat with a wood stove we lost anywhere from 5-10% humidity in the incubator.

I would see what your first night brings and base it off of that!

Let me know if that is helpful or if you have further questions! I know how stressful it is to be waiting on an answer!

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have question. in the incubator instructions it says that it needs to be 55% first 18 days an last 3 days 60-65% but i don't no if that's the right humidity Cuz i have it at 53% but I don't no if humidity goes down at night

Go with your instructions----at least one time. I have my humidity at around 40% for the first 18 days then around 70% for the last 3. My Hatch rate it 95+%, and 100% at times(a hatch 2 weeks ago---122 eggs in--121 chicks out)----So My Humidity is Working for me. Stop worrying about it dropping some at night-----go to sleep----it will be ok!!

 

[kgb285]

I have an old 25 year old incubator I'm going to use to hatch my incoming eggs. There is no manual. Do any of ya'll happen to know what the temp and humidity should be once I receive my eggs.

Thanks in advance,

Clarissa

 

[kgb285]

Curious... my old 25 years old incubator has no instructions. What should the temp and humidity be for my chicken eggs?

 

[casportpony]

Curious... my old 25 years old incubator has no instructions. What should the temp and humidity be for my chicken eggs?

Welcome to BYC!

What brand is it? Is it still air or forced air? The humidity I try to maintain is ~45%. Read this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/953671/incubation-quick-start-guide

-Kathy