Thinner shells require higher humidity.). Tip 2: Spraying the eggs with an atomizer. Commence 80% incubator humidity Continue for 7 days After 7 days, wean by 5% each day Cease incubator humidity when 40% is reached Babies 28 – 29+6 weeks gestation Commence 80% incubator humidity. Humidity is around 66% at this time. Free USA Shipping on Orders Over $25 (Excludes Cabinets, GQF Brooders, Alaska & Hawaii), The best way to lower humidity in an incubator is to open the vent cap(s) and wait around an hour to see if the humidity stabilizes where you want it. Often you will see the chick’s beak protruding out of the shell. When talking about humidity in the incubator we are usually discussing the Relative Humidity. During the last three days of hatching, you will need to up the humidity in the incubator/hatcher. The chicks are often small and weak and will have trouble cracking the shell and hatching. During the last three days (the "lock-down" period), the humidity level should be increased to between 70-80%. Covering the pans with foil will decrease the water surface area. I'm of the mindset that humidity too high kills many that are still in the shell near pip and hatch due to too high of humidity that swells the duckling up so it can't turn and pip correctly. The water reservoir within the incubator should be filled with sterile water to prevent bacterial colonisation, and regularly checked and refilled as required. For still air incubation, in the UK, usually no water needs to be added but for forced air incubation (incubators with a fan that circulate the air around, trying to maintain a constant temperature throughout) then there are some guidelines given that generally state 45% for chickens and slightly less for waterfowl. This can leave some people scratching their heads at just how to accomplish this feat. Water vapor in the air can range from none to the full maximum which air can hold. Use it to keep track of where your humidity is at. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. So what is the correct incubation humidity? Humidity Control. During incubation, you can control humidity through the use of vents to monitor the amount of fresh air entering the incubator. If the humidity has been too high during incubation, the egg will have lost too little water and the air cell will be small. (Excludes Cabinets, GQF Brooders, Alaska & Hawaii). In extreme cases, the water can be completely poured or pumped out, Another simple way is to put water absorbent material (cotton, sponge) into the incubator, This airspace gradually increases in size. Incubator. The hatcher stays this way for day 18 and day 19. The ideal humidity level for hatching eggs is still being debated among experts, but many agree that it should not fall below 25% or above 60% between setting and three days prior to hatching. I begin by only filling one of the troughs with water and I place the basket that will hold the eggs on top. Start by following the manufacturers recommendations for humidity and temperature for your individual incubator. So what is the correct incubation humidity? If that does not lower it enough you can remove some of the water from your water troughs in the base of your incubator. For still air incubation, in the UK, usually no water needs to be added but for forced air incubation (incubators with a fan that circulate the air around, trying to maintain a constant temperature throughout) then there are some guidelines given that generally state 45% for chickens and slightly less for waterfowl. Monitoring air cells when you candle will also let you know if your incubator is maintaining the correct humidity. If you are struggling to consistently maintain your humidity levels or want a more hands-free option, we do sell the "HumidiKit™ - Auto Humidity System for Incubators." This will cause the chick to have trouble breathing and will have trouble breaking out of the shell. The greater the water loss, the larger the airspace. If you set your eggs with the pointy side down, you will notice an airspace at the top rounded part of the egg when you candle it. A great many modern incubators that we have come with small containers that hold water that needs to be topped up after every 2 or 3 days so that the humidity in the incubator is maintained. This automated system has sensors that will keep a more reliable humidity level without you having to constantly check up on your incubator. If the lid is lifted after a chick has hatched the humidity will immediately drop which could cause other chicks to become shrink wrapped. The best way to lower humidity in an incubator is to open the vent cap (s) and wait around an hour to see if the humidity stabilizes where you want it. I like to wait until I see the first egg pip before I add water to the second trough. The incubator is a valuable facility in the hatching process. After 1 day wean humidity by 5% each day. Recommendations: Humidity can be reduced by reducing the amount of water in the trays from which it evaporates. I then cut out little holders for the eggs made from paper egg cartons. Allow cool eggs to warm slowly to room temperature before placing in the incubator. One of the best ways to reduce humidity in an incubator is to open the ventilation. Tip 3: Pay close attention to the temperature of the water to add into the incubator. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Abrupt warming from 55 degrees to 100 degrees can cause moisture condensation on the egg shell which can lead to disease and reduced hatches. We may receive compensation when you click on links or buy those products. Once the eggs start hatching I try to delay lifting the lid for as long as possible.