Why????

[rhythmicgoldfish]

every where i look it says not to open the bator during the hatch i am wondering why that is

 

[Chickenteacher]

Opening the bator releases your built up humidity....which you need so that the chicks don't stick to the insides of their shells.....the humidity keeps them moist and hopefully they can just sliiiiiide out......

 

[DouglasPeeps]

Humidity is important during incubation. The final three days of incubation, it is more critical. Anytime you open the incubator you lose humidity. A loss of humidity can cause the inner membrane to shrinkwrap the chick thus causing death.

Hope this helps!

 

[GaNewChick]

I am on day 20 and the humidity keeps running between 57 and 69. Will they stay moist in that range? I can't keep it on any % for any length of time. It steadily goes up and then back down over the course of a few hours.

 

[lakeshorenc]

Mine is doing the same thing. It is VERY frustrating!!!! UUUUGGGHHH. I did hear a peep a minute ago so there's hope. I started to talking to it like crazy.

 

[ticks]

Then how do you do candeling if your not supposed to open up the bator?

 

[GaNewChick]

Hello Ticks...

Its ok to candle up to day 18, after that ~ leave it shut for hatching.

 

[DutchChicky]

You DON"T candle the last 3 days!!!
Last candleingyou do at day18, after that no turning and no opening of the bator.
I think your humidity flucuation will be fine. Between 60-70% is fine, in my opinion

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

If you're having issues with humidity, plug up some of those ventilation holes with duct tape!

I plugged up mine and my humidity is right where I want it to be and is able to maintain that humidity for longer periods of time.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Just remember to unplug your holes, the babies will need a good supply of oxygen. Good hatching vibes!