The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Stereo on August 07, 2014, 01:59:10 pm

Title: Incubator humidity.
Post by: Stereo on August 07, 2014, 01:59:10 pm

Having had awful cockerel ratios this year, I've just put the incubator on again for a last hatch. We've also had poor hatching this year including a lot of dead chicks late on. I suspect they couldn't pip due to either dry shells or weakness. Anyway, I've dug out our old moisture meter and it's reading 30. I note the Brinsea manual says 40-50 for incubation. We don't normally put any water in until lock down but now I'm wondering if it's been so hot and dry this year that we have been incubating with low humidity. Should I put some water in now to raise it up?

Title: Re: Incubator humidity.
Post by: Fowlman on August 14, 2014, 04:29:39 pm

I think normally you would be fine but it has been abnormally dry this year and many people who normally dry hatch have had poor results. So yes i would add water.

Title: Re: Incubator humidity.
Post by: Stereo on August 15, 2014, 02:07:11 pm

I did put water in and kept it around 40 although I noticed today it's dropping back so I assume it's evaporated off already.

Title: Re: Incubator humidity.
Post by: Fowlman on August 15, 2014, 04:50:50 pm

It will need topping up but i think we're in for some wet stuff for a while.

Title: Re: Incubator humidity.
Post by: lord flynn on August 15, 2014, 04:57:33 pm

I think some of these smaller incys with fans seem to dry out quick. My Brinsea is not as bad as the incubator I had before but it must have some effect. After two years of hatching dry, I think hatching dry this year was a mistake for me this year. Damned if you do, damned if you don't :) am sure broodies must be easier.

Title: Re: Incubator humidity.
Post by: Fowlman on August 15, 2014, 04:59:53 pm

I agree Lord flynn most years you would be fine hatching dry.