Humidity control is an essential factor in egg incubation, as it affects the quality and hatch rate of the eggs. The ideal humidity level varies depending on the egg type, but generally, it should be between 50 to 60 percent during the first 18 days of incubation. During the last three days of incubation, the humidity should be increased to 70 percent to help soften the eggshells and prepare the chicks for hatching. Here’s a closer look at how to provide the humidity of an egg incubator, including how it works, why it is critical, and the differences between an egg incubator and natural hatching.
How to Provide Humidity in the Egg Incubator?
Humidity control in the egg incubator is typically achieved through a water reservoir, a wick, or a humidifier. Some incubators come with built-in humidity control systems, while others require manual adjustment. The water reservoir is filled with water, and the incubator’s humidity control system adjusts the humidity level by controlling the amount of moisture released into the incubator.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir is a vital component of the humidity control system. It supplies moisture to the incubator’s air to maintain the desired humidity level. The water reservoir is usually located at the bottom of the incubator, and it can be accessed through a small opening or a removable panel.
Wick
The wick is responsible
for controlling the amount of moisture released into the incubator’s air. It absorbs water from the reservoir and releases it into the air, creating humidity. The wick is usually made of a porous material that can hold a significant amount of water.
Humidifier
The humidifier is an electronic device that releases moisture into the air. It typically comes with a water reservoir that needs to be filled regularly. The humidifier is connected to the incubator’s ventilation system and releases the moisture into the air as needed.
Humidity control is critical as it affects the quality and hatch rate of the eggs. The proper humidity level is essential for the development of healthy embryos and the successful hatching of the eggs. If the humidity level is too low, the eggs can dry out, resulting in poor hatch rates, weak chicks, or even embryo death. If the humidity level is too high, the eggs can become moldy or develop bacterial infections, which can harm the developing embryos.
During the first 18 days of incubation, the ideal humidity level is between 50 to 60 percent. This level of humidity allows for proper air exchange, which is essential for the development of healthy embryos. During the last three days of incubation, the humidity should be increased to 70 percent to help soften the eggshells and prepare the chicks for hatching.
Difference between Egg Incubator and Natural Hatching
In the natural environment, a brooding hen provides warmth, humidity, and a turning mechanism for eggs. The brooding hen also provides protection against predators and ensures that the eggs receive adequate ventilation. In contrast, an egg incubator can provide the same conditions as a brooding hen but cannot replicate the protective nature of a mother hen.
In natural hatching, the humidity level is maintained by the mother hen’s body heat and the moisture from her brood patch. The eggs are also turned naturally as the mother hen moves around the nest. In contrast, an egg incubator requires manual or automatic egg turning mechanisms and built-in humidity control systems.
Also, in natural hatching, the humidity level is gradually increased as the hatch date approaches. The mother hen instinctively knows when to increase the humidity level to soften the eggshells for hatching. In contrast, the egg incubator requires manual adjustment of the humidity level during the last three days of incubation.
Conclusion
Humidity control is a critical factor in egg incubation, and maintaining the right humidity level is essential for successful hatching. The water reservoir, the wick, and the humidifier are all essential components of the humidity control system in an egg incubator. Consistent humidity control is necessary to ensure healthy embryo development and successful hatching. In natural hatching, the humidity level is maintained by the mother hen’s body heat and the moisture from her brood patch, while in an egg incubator, humidity control is achieved through manual or automatic adjustment of the humidity level.
