If you want to know how to lower humidity in an incubator, you are not the only one. Getting the right humidity is important for good hatching and healthy chicks. Many people who hatch eggs at home and teachers have trouble with too much moisture in their egg incubator. When you follow easy rules and simple steps, you can control the air and help your chicks grow. In my own experience, using the right ways to lower humidity in an incubator made my hatch rate go from 60% to 85%. Experts also say that controlling humidity is very important—too much or too little can ruin a hatch. By learning how to lower humidity in an incubator, you help control humidity and make hatching easier.

Key Takeaways

• Keep humidity between 45% and 55% RH for most of the time. Raise it to 65%–70% RH in the last three days for good hatching.

• To lower humidity, use less water surface, take out sponges or wicks, and open vents a little to let air move.

• Use two hygrometers to check humidity. This helps you spot mistakes and makes sure the numbers are right.

• Change humidity slowly so you do not shock the eggs. Keep the temperature at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for best results.

• If humidity is too high, try a dehumidifier in the room or move the incubator to a drier place to control moisture.

How to Lower Humidity in an Incubator

Quick Answer Box:
Keep humidity between 45% and 55% RH most of the time. Raise it to 65%–70% for lockdown. To lower humidity, use less water surface, take out any sponge or wick, open vents a little, make the room less humid, and check with two hygrometers. Change things slowly and keep the temperature steady.

Target Humidity Levels

Getting the right humidity helps chicks stay healthy. Keep humidity at 45% to 55% RH during most of incubation. For the last three days, called lockdown, raise humidity to 65%–70% RH. This helps chicks hatch easily.

Here is a simple table with humidity and temperature for different birds:

Keeping humidity in the right range stops problems. Dry embryos or sticky chicks can happen if humidity is wrong. High or low humidity can lower hatch rates. If humidity is too low, embryos dry out and may not hatch. If humidity is too high, chicks might drown inside the shell.

Key Steps to Reduce Humidity

You can lower humidity in your egg incubator by doing these things:

1. Reduce Water Surface Area
   Use a smaller tray or less water. The surface area matters more than the amount. Less surface means less moisture in the air.

2. Remove Sponge or Wick
   If you use a sponge or wick, take it out. This lowers humidity fast.

3. Open Vents Slightly
   Open vents a little to let air move. This helps moisture leave. Do not block fans or close vents all the way. Chicks need oxygen.

4. Lower Room Humidity
   If your room feels damp, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Moving the incubator to a dry room helps too.

5. Check with Two Hygrometers
   Put two hygrometers inside your egg incubator. Compare numbers to make sure they are right. Calibrate them with a salt test if needed.

Tip:
Make changes slowly. Big drops in humidity can hurt embryos. Keep temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators.

Tools for Humidity Control

You need good tools to control humidity in your egg incubator. Here are some popular choices:

• ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer
  This tool gives quick readings. It is easy to use and not expensive.

• Govee Bluetooth Thermometer Hygrometer
  This device uses a Swiss sensor for exact readings. You can check numbers on your phone.

• Cigar Oasis Analog Hygrometer
  Many people trust analog models for good readings.

• Mini Digital Hygrometer Thermometer (2-Pack)
  These small units update every 10 seconds. You can put them in different spots.

• GoveeLife 2.0 WiFi Hygrometer Thermometer (3 Pack)
  This smart sensor sends alerts to your phone and saves data.

Digital hygrometers are easy to read, but sometimes show humidity 8–12% higher than real. Analog models can be more correct. Always use two hygrometers and check them often.

If you want more tips on controlling humidity, see our egg incubator troubleshooting guide. You will find step-by-step help for common problems.

Want a new egg incubator or want to upgrade? Visit our Egg Incubator category for top models and accessories.

Ready to get better hatch rates? Start with these steps and watch humidity. With practice, you will learn humidity control and have more chicks hatch.

Why Humidity Gets Too High in the Incubator

Too much humidity in your incubator can cause problems for your eggs. If you see water drops on the window or sticky chicks, you might have too much moisture. Let’s look at the main reasons this happens.

Excess Water Surface Area

You might think adding more water helps, but it can actually raise humidity too much. The size of the water surface matters more than how much water you use. A big tray or extra bowls give off more moisture. If you use a sponge or wick, it adds even more moisture to the air. Too much moisture can make chicks drown in their shells or cause weak hatches.

• Use only the water tray your egg incubator needs.

• Remove sponges or wicks if humidity gets too high.

• Watch for puddles or standing water.

Vents Blocked or Closed

Vents help control both humidity and oxygen. If you close vents or block them, moisture builds up inside. Chicks need fresh air, so always keep vents open a little. Never block fans or cover air holes.

• Check vents every day.

• Open them slightly for better airflow.

• Make sure nothing covers the fan.

High Room Humidity

The air in your room affects the incubator. If your room feels damp, the incubator will also have high humidity. Warm rooms (over 77°F or 25°C) can hold more moisture. High ambient humidity makes it hard for moisture to leave the incubator.

• High room humidity can raise the incubator’s humidity.

• The air around the incubator changes the moisture inside.

• Room temperature changes how fast water evaporates.

• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner if needed.

Other Causes

Sometimes, other things can raise moisture levels:

• Condensation on the window means too much moisture.

• Adding water during lockdown (last 3 days) can spike humidity.

• Wet towels or spills inside the incubator add moisture.

• Not checking hygrometers can lead to mistakes.

Tip: Always make changes slowly. Keep the temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators. Never spray eggs or pour water on the shells.

If you understand these causes, you can keep humidity in the right range and help your chicks hatch strong and healthy.

Safe Ways to Control Humidity

Keeping the right humidity in your incubator helps your chicks grow strong. You can use these safe steps to lower moisture and keep your eggs healthy.

Adjust Water Surface Area

Start by looking at the water tray in your incubator. A smaller or shallow tray gives off less moisture. The surface area matters more than the amount of water. If you see too much humidity, use a smaller tray or cover part of the tray with foil. This helps with preventing excess moisture. Always use warm water, around 99.5°F (37.5°C), to keep the temperature steady.

Remove Sponge or Wick

Sponges and wicks add extra moisture by increasing the water’s surface. If you want to lower humidity, take out any sponge or wick from your egg incubator.

• Removing these items drops humidity fast.

• Watch the humidity level after you remove them.

• Adjust the water tray if you need to keep the right range.

Open Vents for Airflow

Good ventilation helps control both humidity and oxygen. Open the vents a little to let fresh air in and let moisture out.

• Vents help prevent excess moisture and keep air moving.

• Never block the fan or close vents all the way.

• Machines need to swap warm air for cooler air to keep temperature and humidity stable.

Take Out Excess Water

If you see puddles or too much water, remove some right away. Use a clean sponge or towel to soak up extra moisture. Do not let water touch the eggshells. This step helps with humidity control and keeps the air just right for hatching.

Use Dry Sponges or Towels

You can place a dry sponge or towel inside the incubator (not touching eggs) to soak up extra moisture. This trick works well if you need to lower humidity quickly. Check the sponge or towel often and replace it if it gets wet.

Tip: Never spray eggs or pour water on the shells. Make changes slowly to avoid sudden drops in humidity. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to hold in heat and prevent temperature swings.

By following these steps, you can manage humidity and moisture safely. This helps your chicks hatch strong and healthy.

Regulating Humidity with Room Adjustments

Humidity in your incubator depends on the room it is in. If your room is damp or hot, humidity can get too high. You can fix this by changing things in the room. Here are some easy ways to help control humidity.

Use Room Dehumidifier or AC

A dehumidifier or air conditioner can lower humidity fast. These machines take water out of the air. If you keep room humidity between 30% and 50%, your incubator will be safe. Many people use these tools to keep things steady.

Here’s a table that shows how these tools help:

If you use a dehumidifier, check the room’s humidity often. Do not let it get too low. If your room is too dry, a humidifier can help.

Move Incubator to Drier Room

Sometimes, moving your incubator to a new room helps. Pick a small room with no drafts. Stay away from kitchens or bathrooms because they have more steam.

Follow these steps for best results: 1. Make sure the water tray has enough water. Water dries up faster in dry rooms. 2. Clean the water tray every day. Use lukewarm distilled water (99.5°F / 37.5°C). 3. Keep vents open for good airflow. 4. Change vent openings if the weather changes.

If you want more tips, look at our troubleshooting guide for egg incubators.

Adjust Insulation or Towels

Insulation and towels around your incubator can change humidity. Towels can soak up water and make humidity go up. Bigger towels make changes happen faster. You can use a dry sponge inside to help control humidity.

• Take away extra towels if humidity is too high.

• Use a dry sponge to soak up water.

• Never use desiccants inside the incubator. They can make the air too dry.

Keep the temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators. Always keep vents open a little for oxygen. Do not spray eggs or pour water on shells. Make changes slowly so humidity does not drop too fast.

Want to upgrade your setup? Check out our Egg Incubator category for top models and accessories.

Ready to hatch healthy chicks? Try these room changes and watch your humidity get better.

Ventilation and Oxygen in the Incubator

Proper ventilation in your incubator does more than just help with humidity. It also gives your chicks the oxygen they need to grow strong. If you want healthy chicks, you must pay attention to airflow every day.

Open Vents Slightly

You should always keep the vents in your incubator open a little. This lets fresh air come in and helps extra moisture leave. When you adjust ventilation, you help control humidity and keep oxygen levels safe for your eggs. Here’s why this matters:

• Good airflow keeps humidity between 40% and 50%, which is best for egg development.

• Fresh air brings in oxygen and takes out carbon dioxide.

• Open vents help prevent infections and weak chicks.

If you use a forced-air incubator, keep the temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C). Never block the fan or cover the air holes.

Signs of Poor Ventilation

Sometimes, you might notice problems in your egg incubator. These signs can mean you need to improve ventilation:

• You see condensation on the window or walls.

• Chicks seem weak or do not hatch on time.

• The air smells musty or stale.

• Humidity stays high even after you remove water.

If you spot these signs, open the vents a bit more. Make changes slowly. Always check your hygrometers to see if humidity drops into the safe range.

Tip: Ensuring proper ventilation helps you avoid sticky chicks and keeps the air fresh for your eggs.

Never Fully Close Vents

You should never close the vents all the way. Chicks need oxygen at every stage. Closed vents can trap too much moisture and lower oxygen. This can cause chicks to die before hatching.

• Always leave vents open at least a little.

• Never spray eggs or pour water on the shells.

• Keep the temperature at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air models.

If you want more tips on safe hatching, check out our Egg Incubator category for guides and top-rated models. With the right ventilation, you give your chicks the best chance to hatch healthy and strong.

Monitor and Calibrate Humidity

Keeping the right humidity in your incubator is key for healthy chicks. You need to check and adjust it often. Here’s how you can make sure your eggs get the best start.

Use Two Hygrometers

Don’t trust just one reading. Place two hygrometers inside your incubator. This helps you spot errors if one device is off. Put them in different spots, not touching water or eggs. Compare the numbers each day. If they match, you can trust the reading. If not, you may need to calibrate.

Salt Test Calibration

Hygrometers can drift over time. You should check them with a salt test before each hatch. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Mix 1/2 cup of salt with 1/4 cup of water in a small cup. The mix should look thick, not watery.

2. Place your hygrometer next to the cup inside a large zip-close bag. Seal the bag tight. Make sure the water does not touch the device.

3. Leave the bag at room temperature overnight.

4. In the morning, read the hygrometer while it’s still inside the bag.

A correct reading will show 75% humidity. If your device shows a different number, remember the difference and adjust your readings in the incubator.

Watch Air-Cell Growth

You can also check humidity by looking at the air cell inside the egg. Candle your eggs every few days. Here’s what to look for:

• A big air cell means too much water has left the egg. Raise humidity if you see this.

• A small air cell means not enough water has left. Lower humidity if needed.

• The right air cell size means your humidity is just right.

Watching air-cell growth helps you catch problems early and adjust before hatch day.

Avoid Over-Drying

Be careful not to let humidity drop too low for a long time. If humidity stays below 35–40% RH, eggs can dry out. This can cause high death rates and weak chicks. You might see embryos shrink or fail to hatch. Always keep humidity in the safe range for your egg incubator.

Tip: Make changes slowly. Keep the temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air models. Never block fans or vents. If you want more tips, check our egg incubator troubleshooting guide.

Want to upgrade your setup or need reliable tools? Visit our Egg Incubator category for top-rated models and accessories.

Troubleshooting and Quick Reference

Sometimes, you need help fast when humidity gets too high in your incubator. This part gives you easy steps and tables to use right away. If you notice problems with moisture or air, check these tips first.

Table: Methods to Lower Humidity

Here are some ways to control humidity in your egg incubator. Each way helps you lower moisture safely.

Tip: Keep the temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators. Make changes slowly so you do not shock the eggs.

Table: Symptoms and Quick Fixes

If you see something wrong, use this table to find the cause and a quick fix.

• You might see condensation or wet eggs if there is too much moisture.

• Chicks may have trouble hatching if humidity stays high.

• Try opening vents, lowering water, or adding a dry sponge to fix these problems.

If you want more details on how to control humidity, look at our troubleshooting guide. For top incubators and accessories, visit our Egg Incubator category. You can get better hatch rates with the right tools and quick fixes.

• You can make humidity lower by using less water surface. Take out sponges and open the vents a little.

• Check the humidity often. Make small changes to help eggs grow well.

• If you need help fast, look at the tables above for answers.

• When you practice, you will get better at controlling humidity. You will see more eggs hatch.

Keeping humidity steady in your egg incubator helps you hatch eggs well every time. Want more help or tools? Go to our Egg Incubator category for tips to make your next hatch easier.

FAQ

What is the best humidity for chicken eggs in an incubator?

Keep humidity between 45%–55% RH for most of the hatch. Raise it to 65%–70% RH for the last three days. This helps chicks hatch safely.

How do I lower humidity without hurting the eggs?

• Remove extra water or sponges.

• Open vents a little for airflow.

• Make changes slowly.

• Keep temperature steady at 99.5°F (37.5°C).

• Never spray eggs or pour water on shells.

Why do I need two hygrometers in my incubator?

Two hygrometers help you check if your readings are correct. Sometimes, one device can be wrong. Using two gives you more accurate results and helps you spot problems early.

Can I use a dehumidifier in the same room as my incubator?

Yes, you can use a dehumidifier or air conditioner. This lowers room humidity and helps control the incubator’s moisture. Always check your incubator’s humidity after making changes.