what's dry incubation?

[chkinut]

can anybody explain what the dry incubation method entails? and why would u want to do dry incubation vs. the "normal" way? thanks

 

[LarryPQ]

Dry incubation is what happens when you live it the desert. No matter how much water you add, the humidity never goes over 35%

Like every hatch I do.

No really, someone more versed than me should be able to help, but I think it is when you do not add water or worry about humidity until lockdown, when you bump humidity up over 70%

 

[Sharisr32]

It is the only way I can get a hatch- You use no added water - I monitor Temp not humidity -
I have not followed the normal hatching rules in 4 years - I put them in the turner and do not turn it off they hatch right in the turner -
my hatch is about 85 on shipped 90 % on my own -

 

[KDbeads]

No added water during incubation. I'm trying it this time around, the last several hatches I've had terrible results and the very last batch I lost 60% of the ones who made it to lock down to drowning.

 

[chkinut]

well, the reason why i ask is cuz my eggs will be here on thursday. i've hatched before....but that was when i was a teen.....22 yrs ago!!! i know i used water during the whole process, but it was SO long ago i can't remember my hatch rates. but what's the physiological stuff that goes on inside the shell i wonder? so if i were to do the dry method.....only add water when lockdown begins? and open the vent hole i'm assuming? thanks guys!

 

[kid-n-chickens]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-DryIncubation.html Read this post, it tells about it and how to do it. I am using an LG with automatic turner, I am kinda combining the two putting water in the center ring only which is allowing my humidity to come up to 40% then let it dry out which I know it is when its down in the 20's. Hope this helps answer your questions.

 

[chkinut]

ok, i just read that whole article about dry incubation.....how informative! i think i'm gonna do like u were talking about.....compromise a bit and just add a bit of water here and there....i don't have a device to measure my humidity though.....

 

[heritagebirds]

I wish I could tell you... My first Dry Incubation ended with power outtage just before hatch, lost everybody. I could see the little feathers through the egg shell. Next time there won't be no blizzard, dang it!

 

[chkinut]

wow! that's terrible!

 

[kid-n-chickens]

Quote:
You can buy an Accurite digital hygrometer/thermometer at Wal-Mart for $8. If you do this make sure you callibrate it by following these instructions http://exoticpets.about.com/od/herpresources/ss/hygrometer.htm. I have two the temps was on track but the humidity was off by 8% and 10% So far, my air cell is right on track and I have not had any quitters. What kind of incubator are you using?