[Sluggs]

Hi guys,
Im on the last three days and 50 % humidity is all i can achieve, there plenty of surface area of water but the humidity will not rise anymore, is this still ok for hatching chicken eggs ?
many thanks

[AL Hathaway]

Humidity—The moisture level in the incubator should be about 50 to 55 percent relative humidity, with an increase to about 65 percent for the last 3 days of incubation. Moisture is provided by a pan of water under the egg tray. The water surface should be at least half as large as the surface of the egg tray. Add warm water to the pan as necessary. If more humidity is needed, increase the size of the pan or add a wet sponge. Humidity adjustment can also be made by increasing or decreasing ventilation.

[Casey76]

Mr/ Ms Hathaway, is that a quote from a book?  If so, please provide the source

Sluggs, You can add sponges or, (as I do)  "wicks" of  kitchen paper to increase evaporation.  If you really have problems gettining it to 60%, you can "mist' the inside of the incubator with a fine mist plant spray (warm water) occasionally.

Have you tried changing your hygrometer, just incase the one you have isn't calibrated correctly?

[Chookiechook]

I wouldnt agree with the above humidity levels actually  but I would run at 40% till day 18 or the first pip and then shoot up to 60%

Much higher than 40% for the first 18 days and you will get lots of dead in shell due to the egg not losing enough water

[Sluggs]

We had the first hatch today, struggled to get above 50 % but all seems ok

[AL Hathaway]

Mr/ Ms Hathaway, is that a quote from a book?  If so, please provide the source

Sluggs, You can add sponges or, (as I do)  "wicks" of  kitchen paper to increase evaporation.  If you really have problems gettining it to 60%, you can "mist' the inside of the incubator with a fine mist plant spray (warm water) occasionally.

Have you tried changing your hygrometer, just incase the one you have isn't calibrated correctly?

sorry not from a book but word of mouth from friends that breed,and gleaning web pages.