![]() ![]() The relative humidity in the incubator between setting and 3 days prior to hatching should remain at 58-60 percent or 84-86º F., wet-bulb. Humidity is carefully controlled to prevent unnecessary loss of egg moisture. Do not allow the thermometer's bulb to touch the eggs or incubator. The temperature is measured at the level where the embryos develop (at the top of the egg). If the eggs are positioned in a vertical position, elevate the thermometer bulb to a point just below the top of the egg. Obtain the proper temperature reading by elevating the bulb of the thermometer to the same height as the top of the eggs when the eggs are laying horizontal. to compensate for the temperature layering within the incubator. ![]() Maintain a still-air incubator at 102 degrees F. In both cases the total chicks hatched will be reduced. One that runs consistently cooler tends to produce late hatches. A forced-air incubator that is too warm tends to produce early hatches. High temperatures are especially serious. Prolonged periods of high or low temperatures will alter hatching success. Minor fluctuations (less than ½ degree) above or below 100 degrees are tolerated, but do not let the temperatures vary more than a total of 1 degree. throughout the entire incubation period when using a forced-air incubator. ![]() Obtain the best hatch by keeping the temperature at 100º F. Poor results also occur from improper ventilation, egg turning and sanitation of the machines or eggs. Improper control means that the temperature or humidity is too high or too low for a sufficient length of time that it interferes with the normal growth and development of the embryo. Poor results are most commonly produced with improper control of temperature and/or humidity. The chart shown below lists the major incubation factors and the values of each that produces the best incubation conditions for the species of birds shown. The eggs will take time to warm to incubator temperature and many times the incubator temperature will drop below 98☏ for the first 6 to 8 hours or until the egg warms to 99° to 100☏.When incubating any bird egg it is important to control the same factors of temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning. Do not adjust the heat upward during the first 48 hours. Many times, when the eggs remain clear and show no development, it is due to excessive heat during the first 48-72 hours. Running the incubator at 105☏ for 15 minutes will seriously affect the embryos, but running it at 95☏ for 3 or 4 hours will only slow their metabolic rate.ĭo not make the mistake of overheating the eggs. Overheating is more critical than underheating. If the temperature stays at either extreme for several days, the egg may not hatch. High mortality is seen if the temperature drops below 96☏ or rises above 103☏ for a number of hours. Incubator temperature should be maintained between 99° and 100☏. Using two thermometers is a good idea to ensure you are getting an accurate reading. To obtain reliable readings, the bulb of the thermometer should be at the same height as the tops of the eggs and away from the source of heat. During the warm-up period the temperature should be adjusted to hold a constant 100☏ for still air, 99° to 100☏ for forced air. An incubator should also be operated for several hours with water placed in a pan to stabilize its internal atmosphere before fertile eggs are set. An incubator should be operated in a location free from drafts and direct sunlight. ![]()
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