What % relative humidity should I have in the incubator for a dry hatc

[Scott Turner]

I want to try and hatch eggs this time using the dry method. i was wondering what should the relative humidity show in the incubator for the hatch to be successful. The three hatches that I have happen this year were at about 70% hatched rate and most of the eggs were shipped. There were several eggs that didn't hatch and the chicks were fully formed but never pipped the eggs so they died during the last three days and I am assuming it was due to humidity being too high. I am also going to try and let the eggs hatch in an egg carton this time to see how that goes. Any advice and answers will be greatly appreciated.
Scott Turner

 

[dragonchick]

I used about 35% humidity for the first 18 days then upped it to 60% for the last days of hatch. It worked for me and I got a 50% hatch out of the 4 eggs I set. When I set the eggs I didn't add ANY water or wet sponges.

 

[Bluemoon420]

I do dry hatch method. Basically I keep it around 30 - 35 percent during incubation, and 60 - 65 percent during hatch. I don't use the red plugs at all during incubation. I let the water dry out during incubation, and add water a little water when it gets below 19 percent. For lockdown, I fill both troughs ( I have a hovabator) and don't open the incubator for any reason during lockdown. Once the eggs start hatching the humidity will go up naturally. If I'm having trouble during lockdown with the humidity I'll use the red plugs. Usually only need to use one if I do.

The weather makes a difference also. Right now it's very humid so I havent had to add any water at all yet. The humidity is a little higher than I like, but not too bad. I've just been keeping a close eye on it.

Where ever you are will make a difference with the humidity levels. So, experiment a little, and see what works best. Keep good notes in a notebook, so you can keep track for the next time you hatch eggs, and make adjustments.

Bluemoon

 

[Scott Turner]

The reading in my incubator is at 20% would you recommend adding water to it?

 

[Bluemoon420]

You could add a little bit if you feel it's a little low. Maybe like a 1/4 of a cup. Just leave the plugs out, and let it stabilize. Then let it dry down again.

Bluemoon

 

[Bluemoon420]

Probably should add, I watch the air sacs when I candle. If they seem too small on whatever day I candle, The humidity is too high. If the are too large, I figured out the humidity is too low. If that makes sense.

Bluemoon

 

[Scott Turner]

Thanks
Have you ever tried to let the chicks hatch by putting the eggs in an egg carton in the incubator. Do you have any pointers about this?

 

[Bluemoon420]

Yep, I use during lockdown, I use the cardboard cartons. Some folks cut holes in the bottom of the cups. I don't, but I do cut the sides of the cups down a little. For air flow. I space mine out in the cups also. So each egg isn't next to each other, but sometimes space is an issue. So, I won't do it everytime. They have hatched either way.

Bluemoon