thenewchick Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Hi I have just been given a Brinsea Mini Advance incubator for my birthday and was very pleased However, on reading the instructions inside the box it all seems very confusing I thought I was just going to put the eggs inside switch it on and in 21 days hey presto seven chicks!! What is is that it says to keep humidity at a constant level of 50 during the hatching process (below that when turning eggs). I just can't see where it tells me what the humidity level is? Is it just a matter of filling both sides of the pot with water and it will be at 50? Sorry if this sounds a bit of a stupid question but just dont want to do somthing wrong when wee chicks lives are at risk. I hope someone with the same equipment can point me in the right direction. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 all I did was to keep one half of the water pot filled up to the top untill the last day of turning then fill the other half up as well one tip once the auto turn has finnished take the turning ring out I didb't and it got in the way as the chicks hatched. if you do as shearch on this forum for Brinsea Mini Advance you.ll find a couple of threads from earlier in the year that should help you as there are a few of us that have used the Mini Advance for the first time with good results Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I was just as confused about humidity, I bought a hygrometer for £5.99 on ebay and popped that in with the eggs, it didn't get in the way just got kicked around a bit during hatching I ran my incy dry and it stayed naturally at 30, on day 18 I filled up the chambers and it rose to 50, I had a 100% hatch. Other people run dry and have had success Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackthelad Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I have currently got my first eggs in the same incy, mine are duck eggs. I read the instructions and thought it all sounded very complicated (im not good with technology!). But after reading the instructions again and taking it a step at a time, set on automatic with one half of pot full with water,so far so good it seems to look after itself. I am 2 weeks in and five of the six are fertile and wiggling away 2 weeks later. I did buy a hygrometer from pets at home in the reptile area cost £5 which just fits nicely in 1 of the egg slots as most eggs are sold in 6 so you have an empty slot. Just hoping the hatch now goes well, its very exciting, my hubby thinks im mad I talk to them everynight!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenewchick Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 Thanks for the reassurance and the tips. I think I will stop fretting and just try and get some eggs follow step by step instructions and stop beating myself up about it all Watch this space and you never know I might have some cute chick pictures to show you all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenewchick Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 I'm away to buy my eggs today Think I'm going to get a mixture and see what I get. I'm so excited had to take a sleeping pill last night!! Will post when I need help Fingers crossed for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bevmatt Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I was just as confused about humidity, I bought a hygrometer for £5.99 on ebay and popped that in with the eggs, it didn't get in the way just got kicked around a bit during hatching I ran my incy dry and it stayed naturally at 30, on day 18 I filled up the chambers and it rose to 50, I had a 100% hatch. Other people run dry and have had success Just wanted to MASSIVELY agree with the above post... I have had 4 years of incubating experience with every type of incubator going and would just ilke to stress one thing.... INCUBATE DRY until day 18 stop turning the eggs and then raise humidity to 50 - 60% had great results doing it this way. More chicks die as a result of too high humidity than too low. I use the mini advance in our local primary school - great visibility and great results... Good luck. Bev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I found the humidity would rise to 60/70 when chicks were hatching then drop back to 50 when they were out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 I'm glad I took the time to go through all the threads on this forum. The assistant in my local farm shop told me to turn the humidity up to 75%. That seemed a bit much! I've bought a humidity thing & it is 45-50 today (day 17). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 Crikey they'd be swimming in there Around 50-55 seems to be a good level - perhaps add a little water to the pots Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenewchick Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 Thanks for all the advice - I didnt really put much water in the incubator until the last couple of days, all six eggs hatched (one was infirtile and was put out on day 14) and are all fine chicks now two weeks old. I was very pleased with my first attempt at hatching and just now praying that they are all girls now!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Me again! It's day 20 in our eco incy. The humidity has gone up to 70% so I've taken a little bit of water out, is that ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenewchick Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 Well, thats what mine went up to as well and they all hatched- good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I have put the lid off of a little cosmetic spray I had in one side of the water pot and am filling that. It keeps my humidity at around 40%. I found that filling one half of the chamber took me to 55%, which was too high for the serama eggs I'm attempting to hatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
