But the more affordable smaller incubators only come with a temperature control. That means that you will need to purchase a hygrometer to be able to know your incubator's humidity. It is crucial to know the humidity for a successful hatching throughout every day of incubation, especially from days 18 to 21.
Hygrometers are available at most fodder stores. They are usually located in the reptile section. They are also available on eBay.
There are two types of hygrometers: analogue and digital.
So before any new hatching it is essential to test your hygrometer's accuracy. This is called calibration.
And it is very simple.
What you will need:
- Hygrometer
- Salt
- Water
- Small container or lid from a juice bottle
- Zip Lock Bag
If using a small container: 1/2 cup of salt with a dribble of water to make a slurry.
If using a lid from a juice bottle: 1 tablespoon of salt with a dribble of water to make a slurry.
Place both the container of salt slurry and hygrometer into the zip lock bag and seal.
Do not let the hygrometer touch the liquid.
Leave at room temperature for around 12 to 24 hours.
The final reading should be 75%.
If it does not read correctly, then it needs to be adjusted manually.
Digital hygrometers are adjusted by the single button on the unit (refer to your unit's instructions).
Analogue hygrometers are adjusted at the back and manually turned (refer to your unit's instructions).
If you are unable to adjust it, remember the reading from this calibration test and subtract or add accordingly that it was out by from 75%. So if the final reading was 70%, then always add 5% onto the reading during an incubation.