4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[beingmaisie]

My first ever hatching adventure ended 2 weeks ago with just 2 out of 9 remaining eggs hatching. At first i was so upset that i swore never to do it again but having calmed down and seen just how gorgeous chicks are i have now decided to try again in a few weeks when the brooder is empty.

 

My incubator is a homemade affair with 2 light bulbs for heat and a tray underneath acting as the water reservoir. I think what happened last time was that the temp was either too high (39 degrees) or the humidity was too high (fluctuated between 68-75% for the last 3 days). We added a heater underneath the water tray to keep the water temp up without us having to top it up constantly thinking that this would help raise the humidity. I realise we may have either boiled them or drowned them.

 

Does anyone have any ideas as to how i can raise and keep up the humidity to a balanced level. Also, i was preparing to lower the temp for the last 3 days but someone else said on another forum that you shouldnt lower the temp, what do think about that. Its hard to know who and what to believe sometimes isn't it.

 

I can post pics of the inci if you want to see it for yourself.

 

Many thanks

Gill

[Jules.]

I can't help you on the humidity problem, sorry.

My chicks are just hatching, & I hatched them dry for the first 18 days- the breeder ( a very experienced chicken keeper) told me not to add any water at all. His advice has proved correct.

Now its hatch day, & the humidity has been between 60-70% since day 19, & the temperature has been turned down from 37.7 to 37.0 degrees.

 

All is looking well, so far.

[beingmaisie]

I can't help you on the humidity problem, sorry.

My chicks are just hatching, & I hatched them dry for the first 18 days- the breeder ( a very experienced chicken keeper) told me not to add any water at all. His advice has proved correct.

Now its hatch day, & the humidity has been between 60-70% since day 19, & the temperature has been turned down from 37.7 to 37.0 degrees.

 

All is looking well, so far.

 

Well that would make a big difference, have you added water for the last few days?

I wish you well with your chicks, let us know what happens please.

[Lewis]

Did you know humidity was affected by the surface area of the water, and not the depth, so you may be better to have a few smaller cups of water, and then to reduce humidity take one out, or to increase it, add another cup.

[Jules.]

humidity has been between 60-70% for the last 3 days.

I have 3 hatched so far, with another 7 pipped.

[beingmaisie]

humidity has been between 60-70% for the last 3 days.

I have 3 hatched so far, with another 7 pipped.

 

So exciting Jules, i hope they all make it for you. Keep us informed won't you

[Solopuff]

Great news

I only wanted to add that I made and used a home made incubator 3 years ago (I've since had obliging broodies each year) and had problems the first time round with too high a humidity level! If too high, chicks apparently can't break through the membrane to pip and hatch so die in the shell

I was advised not to worry about humidity too much in this country as the natural humidity is high enough (unlike parts of the USA which most guides are written for).

I hope you have a very successful hatch

[Lewis]

I can post pics of the inci if you want to see it for yourself.

Gill

Didn't see that before, yes please

 

I built an incubator and hatched quail + we're hatching chickens at school in the summer and it's interesting to see what other people have made and use.

[beingmaisie]

Okay here are some pics below

 

 

 

 

[Lewis]

Looks good