My hydrometer is a liar !

[kezia911]

I now totally understand the importance of doubling up on temperature gauges, humidity gauges ect....

I have since the afternoon of the 24th been incubating five Herman eggs, the incubator was set up but I just couldn't get the humidity right, for the first few days the gauge was about 20-30% so I added water until I ran out of space for tubs, eventually I was getting condensation on the viewing panel, which I just knew wasn't right ( I frequently wiped it off so that it didn't drip on the eggs). Eventually I found the polystyrene bit that went on top of the viewing panel and that immediately sorted out the condensation. By day four the hydrometer was still only reading 68% and I knew it was wrong I went out bought a new one and measured the humidity at 95%!!!!!

The question is have I drowned the eggs ?

[Easter Bunny]

I had trouble getting the humidity up too so like you I added lots of water and sponges. I too had condensation on the door. I did get 4 healthy hatchlings though.

I do want to buy a new Hydrometer as I have 2 eggs incubating. which one did you buy?

I hope your eggs will be ok, have you candled them?

[alley cat]

That sounds exactly like the problems I had! I currently have 3 probes in

[kezia911]

Originally Posted by Easter Bunny

I had trouble getting the humidity up too so like you I added lots of water and sponges. I too had condensation on the door. I did get 4 healthy hatchlings though.

I do want to buy a new Hydrometer as I have 2 eggs incubating. which one did you buy?

I hope your eggs will be ok, have you candled them?

I have a little, it looks like four are/were fertile and chalked up, they are seven days on now and no other signs sadly.

I borrowed a battery operated combined hydro/thermometer from a friend and then bought a simple dial hydrometer from my local farm/animal feed shop that do not rely on batteries, which is why I had the problem in the first place . I'm still kicking myself for not replacing the battery.

[egyptiandan64]

Shouldn't have bothered the eggs as it wasn't for to long.

Danny

[Balboa]

There is a procedure for testing/calibrating hydrometers.

Put some salt in small container, like a bottle cap and wet it with a few drops of water, just enough so it sticks together, not enough that it dissolves.

Place it in a plastic baggy with the hydrometer, seal it up, and let it sit for a few hours. If the hydrometer is accurate it should now read 75%. If not either adjust it so it does (quickly after re-exposing it to room air, before it shifts) or remember to add or subtract for the unit.

hope this helps

[kezia911]

Originally Posted by Balboa

There is a procedure for testing/calibrating hydrometers.

Put some salt in small container, like a bottle cap and wet it with a few drops of water, just enough so it sticks together, not enough that it dissolves.

Place it in a plastic baggy with the hydrometer, seal it up, and let it sit for a few hours. If the hydrometer is accurate it should now read 75%. If not either adjust it so it does (quickly after re-exposing it to room air, before it shifts) or remember to add or subtract for the unit.

hope this helps

It does really help, thank you.

[kezia911]

Originally Posted by egyptiandan64

Shouldn't have bothered the eggs as it wasn't for to long.

Danny

Hopfully they are fine, just taking their time

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by Balboa

There is a procedure for testing/calibrating hydrometers.

Put some salt in small container, like a bottle cap and wet it with a few drops of water, just enough so it sticks together, not enough that it dissolves.

Place it in a plastic baggy with the hydrometer, seal it up, and let it sit for a few hours. If the hydrometer is accurate it should now read 75%. If not either adjust it so it does (quickly after re-exposing it to room air, before it shifts) or remember to add or subtract for the unit.

hope this helps

Where is the thanks button when its needed excellent tip thanks

[kezia911]

Originally Posted by turnip

Where is the thanks button when its needed excellent tip thanks

I've just tested it and I can't believe what a fantastic tip it is, I'm so glad I posted. Thank you thank you balboa x