Questions about humidity.

[Foosa101]

Wasn't too sure if i am posting this in the correct area as I am guessing that it could go under a few of the categories but here we go regardless. Move it around if you want.

Okay, so I had a few people tell me that humidity could have been a problem with my last Gouldian clutch. All but one, that was fertile, matured to hatch (one did hatch but was dead at the cage floor when I found it) but the other three hatchling, still in the eggs, were tossed from the nest in the egg that was pecked open. I was told that the humidity should be around 45% or thereabouts. I checked the humidity this morning and it was showing 61% (NOTE: I live in FL and this is in the AM with a lot of fog this morning). I also had just gotten out of the shower along with having the door cracked open so my crazy rat terriers could go do their thing - so this could have elevated it. I will check it again at noon and see if it has dropped. My question is/are: Is this too high? Do I need to go buy a humidifier at a couple $$$ ?

[Foosa101]

My hypothesis is that the humidity will be the highest in the am but then decrease once the sun comes out and assists in evaporating the majority of dew and moisture. Of course, we Floridians will always have humidity, but the am and rainy days- which are almost everyday at this time of year - will always have a higher humidity than most other areas. I will reply with the more accurate measure around noon. As that should be the more accurate percentage for the majority of the day.

But any info regarding this matter will be greatly appreciated, as always!!

[debbie276]

Humidity for goulds should be around 50% for hatchability and a fast clean molt. I've had the humidity way higher then that without a problem, sometimes as high as 70% with this crazy weather.
Too low and the chicks can get stuck in the shell.

[nixity]

I kept my basement at 35% and never had a problem with hatchability. Do you know how far along in development the other fertile eggs got? If they died early on, it probably has nothing to do with humidity. Usually if the humidity is causing a problem for hatching it happens when hatching is actually taking place and the baby doesn't hatch out properly.

[MLaRue]

I've also had my humidity at 35% or lower with no problems but when we had our saltwater clam tank that was open on top and the humidity was like walking on the beach... I had nothing but dried up eggs or babies that couldn't get out.

[cindy]

What do you set you air at? My house is at 77 in the hot months and with a heat pump and forced air we keep it at 68 in the winter, any higher and it is to warm here. I have not had issue with hatching. The humidity has been up some but if you keep your temperature at a reasonable setting it should help decrease the humidity.

This is from the US EPA Mold Resources

http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/moldresources.html

"The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window)."

[Foosa101]

I checked the humidity later on in the day and it was holding at 50%; so I am thinking I am pretty good there. AC typically stays at 75 during the summer.

[Foosa101]

It's still holding at 50% but it does vary throughout the day but only by about 10 degrees.

[debbie276]

Sounds fine to me
good luck