Humidity For Incubation

[RIDE]

The second clutch of my lifetime is here.

Last year (same exact date oddly) I had a clutch and not knowing what to do, I went with maternal incubation. lost 2 eggs, and 2 eggs hatched 2 perfect babies.

Afterward I built a nice incubator that holds absolutely constant temps, air circulation, etc.

Yesterday this female laid another 4 perfect eggs.

I have the eggs in a small tub, on light diffuser which is on vermiculite with a 1:1 water ratio by weight. Then the lid is on the tub.

Temp is 88*.

The humidity is at 88%.

I have read humidity should be at 100%.

Should I add water?

[BigJay]

It dont think it has to be 100%, just high humidity. Maybe keep it 90+ highest you can without too much water. Maybe a Pro will chime in

[BCS]

From what I have read and researched, the humidity should be about 90%. I would not go adding too much water but if you want it up the 2 extra %, I would only add driblets of water. You can also use press and seal saran wrap under the lid to help keep in humidity.

[RIDE]

Thanks everyone!

[WmHrbst]

The second clutch of my lifetime is here.

Last year (same exact date oddly) I had a clutch and not knowing what to do, I went with maternal incubation. lost 2 eggs, and 2 eggs hatched 2 perfect babies.

Afterward I built a nice incubator that holds absolutely constant temps, air circulation, etc.

Yesterday this female laid another 4 perfect eggs.

I have the eggs in a small tub, on light diffuser which is on vermiculite with a 1:1 water ratio by weight. Then the lid is on the tub.

Temp is 88*.

The humidity is at 88%.

I have read humidity should be at 100%.

Should I add water?

If you are using a light diffuser, the eggs are not in contact with the vermiculite, you don't have to worry about any water ratio. :-)

Just add as much water as you need. The 1:1 ratio is for incubating the eggs directly in the vermiculite.

[bondo]

If you are using a light diffuser, the eggs are not in contact with the vermiculite, you don't have to worry about any water ratio. :-)

Just add as much water as you need. The 1:1 ratio is for incubating the eggs directly in the vermiculite.

Yup exactly If you are doing a 1:1 ratio and diffuser then you are defeating the purpose of the diffuser. Also humidity in an incubator means nothing. You only care about what is in the tub. 1:1 weight ratio or more with a diffuser and a sealed tub will give you the right humidity you need. You may have to add water later if the eggs start deflating early. I don't ever measure humidity I just look at the eggs.

[RIDE]

Yup exactly If you are doing a 1:1 ratio and diffuser then you are defeating the purpose of the diffuser. Also humidity in an incubator means nothing. You only care about what is in the tub. 1:1 weight ratio or more with a diffuser and a sealed tub will give you the right humidity you need. You may have to add water later if the eggs start deflating early. I don't ever measure humidity I just look at the eggs.

The 1:1 ratio is needed to get the right humidity and for insurance in case by mistake there is too much water. It is the process done by some extremely high end and reputable breeders.
The humidity is measure inside the tub.
Everything is seemingly great now, humidity is at 91% temp is static at 88*.
58 more days is going to be excruciating. Lol.

[bcr229]

If the egg tub lid doesn't fit tightly you can put a piece of Glad Press n Seal on the tub and then put the lid back on top of it. It really helps keep the humidity high.

[NIGRO51]

how big is the female?

[RIDE]

how big is the female?

She was about 1,800g going into the breeding season. After laying the eggs she is just under 1,600g.

Here's a couple pics of her from July of last year after maternally hatching the worlds first Hypo Pastel Lesser Enchi.