Worried about Humdity

[STucker]

I need some advice.... I just recently hatched 7 chicks out of 39 eggs. Which doesn't sound that good to me. After examining a few of the eggs that didn't hatch I noticed that the membrane was sucked onto the little chick inside. So I figured my humdity was not high enough. After placing extra cups pf water it still didn't seem to rise above 50%. Do I need to leave the red plugs inside the air vents inorder to keep the humdity up?? I want to get the humidity right before the 20th when my other batch goes in.

I am using a Little Giant- Still-Air.

 

[deineria]

I am not sure - I add water through the lock down in the LG with a straw and syring and keep it around 60. . .
I have 5 out of 30 in there right now that have hatched, and I'm curious if the 60 will prove to be high enough or if I might find
the same thing you've found. . .

 

[bburn]

I have a sponge ready that I am going to cut up and put in the incubator when it is time to lockdown. Also, papertowels in the bottom to help hold moisture. I have the straw ready also......am hoping it is all enough because I don't think the hygrometer is working right.

 

[RioLindoAz]

Use the plugs. A wet rag works to up the humidity.

 

[STucker]

Do I remove the plugs once the chicks start to pip?

 

[RioLindoAz]

Quote:
If your humidity gets too high, yes.
I usually never go higher than 55% RH.

 

[STucker]

What humdity level is too high? I have seen and heard so much about the right humdity levels I am confused.

 

[RioLindoAz]

Quote:
Humidity is a factor that you must adhere to your preference.
I don't go over this limit because of the risk of drowning. Some people say that 70% is the way to go, but quite frankly, its not going to get that moist under a hen during incubation. (maybe it does, but I don't think so)

 

[STucker]

Thank you so much for your help I will try my best to get it right for the little ones!

 

[g&h farm]

Ok I have this same bator and just had the same issue! I had to leave in the middle of the hatch to go out of town so my neighbor who also had eggs in there took over. When I was watching I was able to adjust the humidity but I guess she didnt so I lost 10 chicks that were either pipped or zipped. It was awful. I came home to find them all dead. So next time I will be sure Im home and I plan on putting the wet rag in there too. I did have one that the humidity got low on so and it was having a hard time I tried the rag and it helped but then I took it out because the humidity got so high my chicks wouldnt dry out. Im planning on doing the same this time and just monitoring it. Good luck!