Manage Humidity Levels (45-55% then 65-75%)

Maintain relative humidity at 45-55% from day 1 through day 14, then raise it to 65-75% during the final 3-day lockdown period. Adjust humidity by adding or removing water from the incubator's channels or trays.

Why It Works

Proper humidity controls moisture loss through the eggshell. During incubation, eggs should lose approximately 13-15% of their weight through evaporation. Too-low humidity causes excessive drying and shrink-wrapped chicks; too-high humidity drowns embryos. The humidity increase during lockdown softens the inner membrane so chicks can pip and hatch.

Tips

• Use a calibrated hygrometer -- built-in incubator sensors can drift by 5-10%.
• Candle eggs at day 7 and day 14 to check air cell size as a proxy for correct moisture loss.
• Add warm water to channels to avoid dropping the incubator temperature.