AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

The Biggest Poultry Forum in the world
It is Fri Mar 29, 2024 9:38 am

All times are UTC + 10 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Hava-bator Genesis & Humidity Control
PostPosted: Fri Dec 13, 2013 9:15 pm 
Offline
 
 

Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:14 pm
Posts: 15
Hi,

I took delivery of a new Hova-bator Genesis incubator today and have set it up for a test run to settle it in before loading it up with some quail eggs. I have noticed a couple of things about it, particularly in regards to humidity, that I would like some opinion on.

The temp setting looks good.....it maintains a good steady stable temp, at least in the several hours it has been running so far.

Humidity wise is a little different. The instructions say to fill "channel 1" for the setting phase, and then fill "channel 2" in addition to increase humidity for the hatch phase. This should result in a setting humidity of 45-55% and a hatching humidity of 65-75% once the second channel is filled.

Where I have my problem is that with "channel 1" filled I am battling to get below 65% humidity....too high for setting. I live on the NSW mid nth coast so it is naturally humid here - currently atmospheric relative humidity is 82% as I type this.

Naturally I accept that the climate here is likely the culprit. There are instructions with the incubator advising that alfoil can be used to cover part of "channel 1" to help lower humidity which I will try. Am happy to listen and take on board any advice of others who have more experience.

I have noticed that this particular incubator has a "vent" on the top that contains a plug. The instructions mention that the plug should be removed if incubating at altitudes exceeding 3000ft - I am at sea level so subsequently it is plugged.....but have read that with some incubators will drop their humidity if the vents are opened. As temp regulation should not be a problem (ambients here in the house between 24 and 28c daily) I am wondering if removing this plug might assist and not cause any other side effects?

Any other suggestions?

Happy to listen to advice and feedback.

Cheers,
Bart


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Hava-bator Genesis & Humidity Control
PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 8:42 am 
Offline
 
 

Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:14 pm
Posts: 15
Well after a little more research on the net (thank you Google) it would appear that this can be a common issue with this incubator (and possibly all incubators) when hatching in higher humidity climates.

Some in the US even run without any water until the hatching phase as the humidity maintains itself naturally.

Last night I removed all water, and the 'vent' plug. The unit settled with a constant 30% humidity. This morning I have added some water to one of the smaller compartments moulded into the water tray and thus far it has lifted to 35% and will likely go a little higher with time. I will monitor and see if I can get my target of 45-50% - I am hoping that I can get there by putting the vent plug back in.

From what I understand the humidity in the setting phase is not as critical as the hatching phase so I am guessing that as long as I can get it as close to the mark I should be right. I have read reports of quail being hatched with a setting phase humidity as low as 25% as long as the hatching phase is kept where it should be.

Bart


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Hava-bator Genesis & Humidity Control
PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 9:30 am 
Offline
 
 

Joined: Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:12 pm
Posts: 174
Location: West Gippsland, Victoria
Hi Bart
Humidity is not all that important. It is probably worse to have it too high rather than too low. The main thing is the average over the duration of the incubation period. There are charts available for chook eggs showing the ideal air space and/or weight reductions as the hatch progresses.Don't know if there are any such details available for quail but you could extrapolate from the chook egg info. Higher humidity at hatching time does help the chicks to break out.
I would be inclined to reduce the surface area of water in the incubator rather than to increase ventilation as you are more likely to keep the temperature stable and evenly distributed without excessive ventilation.
It is worth keeping in mind that relative humidity is the percentage of water vapour compared to the maximum that can be held at that particular temperature. Relative humidity is roughly halved for every 10 degrees increase in temperature.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Hava-bator Genesis & Humidity Control
PostPosted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 1:35 pm 
Offline
 
 

Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:14 pm
Posts: 15
Thanks Doggo,

I have filled one of the 'spare' chambers in the water tray with water and returned the vent plug and am getting a constant 41% humidity. A lot of literature says 45-55% for quail - I have also noted some breeders mention that lower is better for quail - some saying 25%, others (like the author of the link provided in a Breeding Quail post in this forum) don't add water at all during the setting phase so I am comfortable with moving forward with a 41% humidity for setting.

I agree with your thoughts about reducing water surface area rather than increasing ventilation - Whilst temp control is not an issue this time of year, in the cooler months the extra venting may well increase the chances of temperature variation. I prefer to work out how to keep the humidity in the correct range without extra venting where possible (which looks like I have now achieved)

I predominantly wanted to ensure that I was not 'too' humid - I would not have been comfortable moving forward with 70% but 41% is more reasonable....and even if the water dries out it will only drop to around 30% which should still not cause any critical issues.

Now just have to do a bit more testing for the desired humidity during the 'hatching' phase and I will be ready to set some eggs!


Cheers,
Bart


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Hava-bator Genesis & Humidity Control
PostPosted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 8:14 pm 
Offline
 
 
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2013 8:41 pm
Posts: 155
Location: QLD
Hi Bart70,

Should be interesting to see how your new incubator works out. Have never looked into a Hava-bator Genesis and will need a incubator next season, so keen to see the outcome.

I reckon your on the right track in making sure the humidity is lower rather then higher and as you mentioned, some breeders even prefer to use dry hatch methods.

It could also be possible that the machines readings could be incorrect. It may be worthwhile investing in a hygrometer as this will ensure some accuracy to the humidity readings. If they really are that high you might be able to get a dehumidifier for the room, maybe that will help?

gluck.gif Bart70


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Hava-bator Genesis & Humidity Control
PostPosted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 4:44 pm 
Offline
 
 

Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:14 pm
Posts: 15
Thanks PoultryDan,

After several days of running the humidity has settled down (weather here is also not quite as humid). It was sitting comfortably at around 35% without any added water - I am comfortable with that from a setting perspective. Incidently I do have an electronic hygrometer but I am dubious of its accuracy. For what it is worth it constantly reads '10 points' lower than the Hova-bator - I am tending to trust the Hova-bator at this stage.

I added water to the 'setting' chamber and got constant humidity of around 50%, I then added water to the 'hatching' chamber as well and got a constant 70-75% so my 'hatching' humidity is now sorted.

My eggs arrived today so I will be setting them in the next day or so after letting them settle.

So far I am very happy with the Hova-bator. I have had it running here for a week now in 'testing'. It holds a good constant temp and the humidity does not seem too hard to get correct. It sells for $325 from Brookfields and comes with quail trays. Users in the US seem very happy with theirs. I am looking forward to getting some quail hatches out of mine, and extra excited that I may get an opportunity to hatch some python eggs next season all going well.

Cheers,
Bart


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC + 10 hours


Who is on the Forum

Users browsing this forum: 10Geese, 70%cocoa, ABC Poultry, Adam Smith, Adeiela, Akeet, Alex Cooper, alexanderpeafowl, AlligatorCrkHeritageBreed, Alpine Poultry, Amature Chookz, andrewschooks, Appleton Australorps, arvoducks, Ash Maree, auctioneer, Avi Rare Breeds, Ayam Cemani, Backyard Chicken Chat, Backyard fowl, BaliDuckz, Bantam Rhode Island Red, Bantamenance, Barnywood, beakybird, bearfred, BeatenEgg, Beaudesert Mandarins, bemba, Ben Newton, benalla park, Bendigo Poultry, BigDucksOz, BigQuackers, birds101, Birds4u, birdsrock, Birdz4u, blackdotte, blackleghorn, BlackSwan, Blackswan1, Blue Australorps, bluefirelady, Bob Brookes, BokBok2, Boolaroo, Booths Bantams, Boxwood, Brad M, brerrabbit, Brian Jack, BriansPeas, broken bird, BROOKES POULTRY, BT Homestead, Buff Pekins, Buggsy, BushPig, ButtercupBreedGroup, BYC, byhookorchook, Cackles, caladenia, Caladenia Cottage, Calum H, Cammo Qld, CamsBantams, Carawatha Chickens, Cashmere, castaway chicken, cc's poultry, Charmhaven Chooks, Cheesman Chooks, Chicken Unity, chicken-boy, Chicken07, chickenlittle, Chickens Mad, Chickhorn, Chook Lady, chookasaurus, chookgirl, chookiebum, ChookieG, ChookMamma, ChookMum, Chooks Galore, Chooks R Us, chookslife, chookyinoz, Christine Shaw, Chukar, Cliff Wyandotte Bantams, CluckyDeb, coastalchookies, Colac Sussex, ColacWaterfowl, Collector Peafowl, Connor Peafowl, cookie, Cordelia, Country Bird, CountryChookz, Cowhide, CrackerChook, Crash, Daggy Guineas, Daniel Lawton, Danny, Danny Brown, darrssy, daviburn, Deb Thomas, debbilee, Denis, Desborough Birds, Dianne Carter, DillDale, Dodds Birds, DragonsDen, Dreaming Guineas, duckyfromoz, Duckz44, Eason Chooks, Eat Chooks, Ecovald, eggnog, EggSellent, eggy, eugenia, Fancychooklady, Farmer Benji, Feathers01, Flash, FlockPheasants, fluff fur & feathers, FluffyBum Silkies, FowlMan, Fraggle, Frances Brahmas, Fraser Island, FrogLeap, Furze Chooks, Gaggle of Geese, Gamebreeder, GavinGoose, geckodan, Ginny, girlfriday, Glen Fowler, Gold Laced Wyandotte, Golden Pond, Goodwin Ducks, Goran, Goulburn Heritage Poultry, grabby, GreenWest, Greg Davies, GUINEA FOWL, guinea fowl galore, Guinea owner, guineafowl, GuineaHomer, Haggis, hairycanary, HAPPYHENS, Hardfeather, Hawkes, heggie, Heidi F, Heijo, Helenchooks, Henny Penny, HillbillyGirlWA, Ian B, infoaddict, Isa Brown, Isachooks, Island Fowl, Ivan J, J Hicks, jaffa, Jane Stewart, Janelle Marshall, Jane's Chooks, jap jumbo quails, jarryd, Jeff Duncan, Jen71, Jersey Giant, Jimboomba Poultry, John Cole, John Pike, johnstoneparksussex, JonksGuineas, jose, Josh Welsummers, jr, JRA, Judith King, Judy Appleton, Julie Hart, Kalimna Heritage Poultry, kardella poultry, Karlisa, Katy, KAZZA64, KellyP, KEMPSEY NAKED NECKS, Ken Johnstone, kezabel, Khaki_Ducks, Kin Kin Silkies, Kingscote Chickens, klw, konopiste, KoopKing, kowie, KT, kyall3, LadyAmherst21, lanceview, Lawnton Poultry, Lesley Thomson, Leslie Cooper, Lilly, Linda P, Linz, Lozzy, LozzyR, LueT, luvmychook, madrex, MamasPyjamas, Mannie, Marek, Marengo Heritage Poultry, Margret Young, MaryJ, MaryJanet, Matt Knight, MattsGuineas, Mcginniss Fowl, meander, Melanie Y, MemoryLane, Milo, MinistryofDucks, Minorca&AndalusianStud, MinorcaCoop, mitchell07, MitchesMarans, Monique, Monto Poultry, MrPeabody, Mrpeewee, Ms Frankie, mummaroo, mycoola, Myflockoblues, mysticviews, NanangoGuineaBoy, NellyG, NEP, NepeanBirds, New England Watefowl, NightMare, Noel Cox, NSW King Quails, NZ Pekin Queen, Oaklands, Oldmanrooster, Olivia N, ONE TREE HILL, Ozchook, ozflock, ozguineafowl, ozibirds, O'Connor Sumatras, P_Edwards, Pam, Paul Clark, Peafowland, peamad, pearcey, PeepGuineafowl, Perth Pigeons, perthchooks, Peter Mead, Pheasant Man, Phil Thomas, PHILL, Pitts_Poultry, pj hatchery, Podgie, PossumCorner, Poulsen, Poultry, Poultry Hoarder, Poultry Matters, Poultry mum, Poultry Rare Breeds, poultrynut, PrestigePeafowl, Pretty boy, Priens Fowl, prorooster, Prouten, QuailFarmer, QuailQueenGC, QuailTales, Quailz, Quamby Chickens, Rainbow Chickens, Rawlinson, realimagery, redeyekeet, redjohanna, Reeves Family, Rhiannan H, Rhode Red, Rick Bobby, Ricky Bobby, RJJ Fowl, Rob Smith, Rod Taylor, Roger Parkin, rollyard, Roma Runners, Rose, Roundyard, ruff, rwood, Sandra Clarke, SantaClaws, Scots Grey Stud, seeing_spots, shairlyn, Sharni N, shayne, Shelly Roberts, silver duckwing game, Smallflock, snowball, South Aust Rouen Ducks, SouthernDucks, SouthSussex, Sparky, splash laced Wyandotte, springcreek, Stark Waterfowls, Stelan, Stephen Richards, Steve Davies, Stuart Turner, Sue Clarke, Sue Hall, Sue Sheppard, Sue Wards, sue55, Sumatra Stud AU, sunrise, Sussex19, swiftwood pheasants, SwineoSam, SydneyOEG, T.A.S.S™ [Bot], TANYA, TazBarnies, The Barnyard, The Browns, The Chook Man, The Good Life, The Gotfeather, TheChookBlock, Toolern Vale Fowl, Trany Naked Neck, Tribe of Honk, Tropic Poultry, Trott Park, Trout Runner, Turkey Man, Vella Layer Hens, Vicki Joy, Victorian Waterfowl, Violet Town, W Brown, warmblood, Webbs Orpingtons, WendyT, white modern game, Whittlesea Poultry, whittls, wildman, winglet, Wombatbird, Wonderful Silkies, Wongarra Poultry, Wood Duck, WotTheFlock, Yvette, Zanne and 5679828 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  

A.P.F - Australian Poultry Forum TM 1566349 all rights reserved 2002 - 2024

APF supports

Stop Forum Spam