Why you should always test you hygrometers before you start incubating

[The Point]

I found this...

Place Morton Canning salt (a few tablespoons worth) in a small mug, glass, or container and mix in some distilled water. Make sure you do not dissolve the salt. The desired result should be a “sludgy”, “gooey”, semi-solid mixture.

Place this mixture inside a zip lock bag (I prefer sliding lock to ensure complete closure) with your hygrometer inside. Make sure the hygrometer is facing up (so you can read it) and that no water or mixture comes in contact with the meter (this will throw off readings). Now seal this zip lock bag with an even larger bag to ensure that no additional air may enter in.​

 

[momma-hen]

Thank you!

 

[babsbag]

I think the amount of ingredients might make a difference. I looked it up and found 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup salt. The directions I saw said the salt should look like wet sand when they are mixed together.

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

I did my test twice - once with 1/2 c. salt & 1/2 c. water - the next time with 1/2 c. salt & 1/4 c. water - same results both times. I placed the mixture in a mug and then put the mug and hygrometer into a ziploc bag.

 

[babsbag]

Good to know. Thank you

 

[The Point]

Any suggestions on this...

CRAP!!!! I just bought the same one a few days ago. I am already in lockdown and day 21 starts the evening of the 24. I have been freaking out all day because I couldn't get my humidity above 62. I didn't know about calibrating them till now. I have a lot of condensation on the window. I have a manual one I could calibrate over night and pop it in the morning. Which is more harmful to my babies, opening the bator for a second to stick the manual in or having my humidity possibly be super high?​

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Quote:

I am new to this, but have been doing a lot of reading/studying. My guess is that it would be better for your hatch if you calibrated your hygrometer now, even if it means opening the bator briefly. I've just discovered the hygromters can be off 10-15% and that could harm your babies. At least you aren't on day 21 yet (thank goodness)- I think it's bad to open the incubator when they are starting to hatch, but I think you're fine now as long as you do it quickly.

just found these reviews on the springfield hygrometer - guess I will have to add 10% to mine because it is 10% off.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Quote:
If you have condensation on the window, your humidity is already high. I have never had a humidity of 62% that causes condensation. I would open it up and put the manual one in. Too high humidity is more harmful.
I did call the company to let them know that I have bought two of the Acurite, one was 10 off and the other was 15 off. They were very nice about and said they would check into it. Hopefully they will. I bought the same model two years ago and it spot on at 76%. I did take pascopol advice though and bought an analog one and it calibrated at 74%.

 

[TriciaHowe]

Quote:
If you have condensation on the windows is not good. Your humidity sounds like it is too high. I routinely hatch with my humidity at 50% (95-100% hatch rate). I NEVER get condensation in my incubator.

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Tricia - what humidity to you incubate at for days 1-17? Is is also 50%?