Adjusting Humidity in your Incubator
Have you ever wondered how to determine the correct humidity level in your incubator?
We all live in different parts of Australia where different ambient humidity levels effect the humidity inside the incubator.
So what do we do?
Two factors affect incubation humidity:
water evaporation within the cabinet (from eggs as well as from additional water) and levels of ventilation. The water content of the air being drawn through the incubator will also have an effect.
There are two methods available to bird breeders to achieve correct humidity levels:
- Monitor humidity levels and adjust to match published guidelines for different species.
- Monitor egg weight loss which varies as a direct result of humidity and correct against published weight loss figures for the species.
Option 2 is the most reliable method and is recommended – particularly where poor hatch rates are experienced or if eggs of high value are being incubated.
Eggs lose moisture through their shells and the rate of evaporation depends on the humidity levels around the eggs and the shell porosity.
Eggs lose moisture through their shells and the rate of evaporation depends on the humidity levels around the eggs and the shell porosity.
During incubation eggs need to lose a fixed amount of water which corresponds to a loss in weight of around 13-16% depending on species. By weighing eggs periodically during incubation it is possible to monitor and, if necessary, correct humidity levels to achieve the correct weight loss.
Need a Hygrometer?
Uneek Poultry sell a range of Hygrometers you can use to help you get the humidity levels correct.
Uneek Poultry sell a range of Hygrometers you can use to help you get the humidity levels correct.
Uneek Poultry are your Australian Egg Incubator Specialists.
If you have any questions at all regarding this information please comment below or contact us directly.
If you have any questions at all regarding this information please comment below or contact us directly.