Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 clutches in an incubator that I got from the local feed store but I am having problems getting the humidity to 80%. The highest I've gotten it is 70 and it was only there for half a day. I can't put water in the bottom of the incubator cuz it has holes in it. So, I put a dish of water in there but it doesn't seem to be helping. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Sorry I forgot to say also that I have been misting them daily to keep the humidity up.

The best way to control humidity is to use your incubator as a "dry" incubator, meaning you just use the incubator to control temperature while the eggs are in a small container that has proper water to vermiculite(or perlite) to ventilation ratio. If you can find these 16 oz. solo brand delis I fill them an inch from the top with vermiculite and add water until the total weight of the water, vermiculite, lid and cup weigh 150grams and cover all but one of the holes with tape. This has worked great for me for years.

Hi everyone,

Since you're on this topic, I have a very related question. Is it possible to have too much moisture with the eggs? If the vermiculite has a little too much water is that a problem?

Thanks,

Hayseed

1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.3 Corn Snakes
1.0 Ball Python
2.2 Leopard Geckos

Oh yes! your eggs will become transparent as an indicator that you vermiculite is too wet. Use a clear container to incubate. you know you have it right when there isnt any water puddled at the bottom but when you squeeze a piece of vermiculite at the top a bit of water will come out. I use those 16 oz delis and only a hole about 3/16 for ventilation. limited ventilation and enough vermiculite is the key to retaining consistent moisture levels

Do you have to keep putting water in or does that pretty much take you through until they hatch?

I put 6 eggs in at a time but i usually get that many within a couple of days. My cups are 150 grams without egg weight and about 135g including egg weight right before they hatch which is plenty of humidity.