How to Keep Moisture in an Incubator

Humidity is almost as important as heat for hatching eggs. The level of humidity needed depends on the species. Chicken eggs, for example, need a relative humidity of 50 percent with an increase to at least 70 percent for the final few days. Incubators usually come with a water pan to maintain moisture levels. If this isn't enough, try supplementing the humidity with damp sponges. Increasing the humidity of the room itself may be necessary on occasion.

Things You'll Need

  • Hygrometer
  • Dishes
  • Sponges
  • Plant mister
  • Buckets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the water pan in the incubator, and monitor the humidity with a hygrometer. If the humidity is too high, open the vents on the incubator.

    • 2

      Add shallow dishes of water or damp sponges to the incubator to raise the humidity. Add or subtract dishes as required to keep the humidity at the necessary level.

    • 3

      Mist the incubator to instantly raise the humidity, if the hygrometer shows dangerously low levels. Mist the air; do not spray the eggs directly unless advisable for the species. Duck eggs, which require particularly high humidity, might need direct misting.

    • 4

      Raise the humidity in the room, if it is exceptionally dry. Position a bucket or two of water near the window or heater, or turn on a humidifier, if you have one.