Hi everyone!
Tomorrow I’ll be transferring my eggs to a still-air incubator that I’m using as a hatcher for the first time.
I want to make sure I set it up perfectly for a successful hatch.
What temperature and humidity levels should I aim for?
Any tips or tricks for working with a still-air setup?
Thanks so much for your help!
First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
-
BackyardBanter - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Thu Jan 23, 2025 4:50 pm
- Location: Yaren, Nauru
First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
-
VeggieVibes - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2025 3:48 am
- Location: Medan
Re: First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
For a still-air incubator, aim for 101F at the top of the eggs
And 70% humidity for hatching.
Don’t forget to monitor your levels regularly since these setups can fluctuate a bit.
Best of luck with your hatchlings!
And 70% humidity for hatching.
Don’t forget to monitor your levels regularly since these setups can fluctuate a bit.
Best of luck with your hatchlings!
People who count their chickens before they are hatched act very wisely because chickens run about so absurdly that it's impossible to count them accurately.
-
TheEggMaven - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2025 12:07 am
- Location: Campo Grande, Brazil
Re: First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
Still-air incubators require slightly higher temperatures than fan-assisted ones.
Make sure the temperature at the top of the eggs is 101 to 102F
Increase the humidity to around 70% for the final days.
If you’re worried about humidity, you can add a damp sponge.
Or a small bowl of water to help.
Keep an eye on the air vents, too.
You want good airflow but not so much that it drops the humidity.
Make sure the temperature at the top of the eggs is 101 to 102F
Increase the humidity to around 70% for the final days.
If you’re worried about humidity, you can add a damp sponge.
Or a small bowl of water to help.
Keep an eye on the air vents, too.
You want good airflow but not so much that it drops the humidity.
TheEggMaven | Happy hens lay the tastiest eggs.
-
EggsAndGiggles - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Sun Jan 26, 2025 9:39 am
- Location: Katunayaka, Sri Lanka
Re: First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
For a still-air incubator, keep the temperature at 101–102°F at the top of the eggs
Aim for 65–70% humidity during hatching.
Good luck with your hatch
Hope you get lots of healthy chicks!
Aim for 65–70% humidity during hatching.
Good luck with your hatch
Hope you get lots of healthy chicks!
-
EggstraSpecial - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2025 4:36 pm
- Location: Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Re: First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
Still-air incubators can be a bit tricky, but they work well if set up properly. The temperature should be 101–102F measured at the top of the eggs since there’s no fan to circulate the heat evenly.
For humidity, you’ll want it between 65–70% during hatching to help the chicks break through the shells without drying out.
A tip: use a calibrated thermometer and hygrometer for accuracy. Many built-in ones aren’t reliable. Also, avoid opening the incubator during the hatch, as this can cause heat and humidity drops.
Best of luck with your first hatching experience!
For humidity, you’ll want it between 65–70% during hatching to help the chicks break through the shells without drying out.
A tip: use a calibrated thermometer and hygrometer for accuracy. Many built-in ones aren’t reliable. Also, avoid opening the incubator during the hatch, as this can cause heat and humidity drops.
Best of luck with your first hatching experience!
-
EggsAndThings - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2025 2:27 pm
- Location: Punta Arenas, Chile
Re: First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
Congrats on using a still-air incubator for hatching!
The temperature is key, as heat doesn't circulate evenly in a still-air model.
If you're having trouble keeping humidity steady, you can add a small damp sponge or cloth along with the water reservoirs.
The temperature is key, as heat doesn't circulate evenly in a still-air model.
If you're having trouble keeping humidity steady, you can add a small damp sponge or cloth along with the water reservoirs.
I’ll change you from a rooster to a hen with one shot!
-
DownyExplorer - Hatchling
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:52 pm
- Location: Taichung, Taiwan
Re: First Time Using a Still-Air Incubator for Hatching, Need Advice!
One thing to watch for is air circulationstill-air incubators can have hot and cold spots, so try not to crowd the eggs. Give them space for consistent airflow. Also, dont open the incubator once the hatching starts unless absolutely necessary, as it can disrupt both temperature and humidity levels.