should i put a wet cloth in

[rita]

hi just wondering if i should put a wet cloth in the bottom of my R-com 20 when it's hatching time for my baby duck eggs, just to keep it moist in the incubator, as people say that the fan can dry out the eggs, if i put in a wet cloth this should help. what do you think i should do, would it help with them hatching or would it mess up the settings of the incubator. Any suggestions.

 

[chrismahon]

The incubator humidity setting, which should be increased prior to hatching, will keep the level right as it compensates for the drying effect of electrically heated air. The fan just moves that air around. You need to make sure the base is non-slip for the chicks and some put a piece of J cloth in. We left ours as the base is slightly textured.

 

[rita]

thank you for your reply, i have put a non slip mat in but it is textured on the bottom.
i have turned off the turning table and put the humidity up to 50 will that be enough, should i turn it up to 60 when i hear the first peep,
or before.

 

[chrismahon]

The humidity is raised to keep the membrane soft or the chick can stick to it. So up it to 60 when they start moving to break out, which should be at the first peep. Good luck Rita.

 

[rita]

thank you it's now up to 70% i hope that's not to high, 2 have broken a small hole in their shell, very anxious at the moment, how long will it take for them to get out. it's only day 26 so it's a little early.

 

[Chuck]

See other reply.