Target humidity range for Panther eggs?

[Kevy Baby]

As noted elsewhere, Karma laid her first clutch the other night. We have the eggs in moist vermiculite in an incubator (though I am already considering upgrading it to one that cools in anticipation of the warm summer months).

I searched the forums (as I too get tired of seeing the same questions asked repeatedly) but I could fin the answer to one question: what target humidity (RH) should I aim for? Right now, it is about 40% according to the indoor/outdoor thermometer.

FWIW, I am targeting 74-76 degrees, but this stinking incubator is hard to get right.

BTW: Ambilobe Panther if it makes a difference.

 

[reptoman]

Do you have a digital thermometer/hygrometer with the probe? I have 32 panther eggs that I am keeping in a plastic container with 2 small holes in the lid, and that container in a cardboard box on top of a bookshelf. My temps range from 69 to 78. My RH stays between 45-50% all the time. I have read on here that most people check their eggs every few weeks and as long as there is some condensation on the top of the container and the eggs are not showing signs of shrinking, they should be ok. I would be interested to hear what other people have to say about it though.

 

[Dave Weldon]

...(though I am already considering upgrading it to one that cools in anticipation of the warm summer months)...

Howdy Kevin,

I wish I had actually measured the humidity inside the egg containers when I was incubating eggs years ago . I used the method often mentioned where you take a pinch of vermiculite between your fingers and squeeze it. You shouldn't get much more than a drop or so out of it. My containers had a few holes not much bigger than pin holes. I would weigh the containers maybe once a month or so. If it dropped a gram I'd add a gram (1ml) of water back around the edges of the container. Seemed to work for me .

I met David Kemp of "Kemp's Reptile Incubators" at a couple of the big SoCal reptile shows. We chatted about his hot/cold incubator. He takes one of the "dorm room" type hot/cold "refrigerators" and integrates his own, more accurate, electronics into it. He specs it at +/-1F which is a lot better than original spec that is probably closer to +/-5F or worse.

Here's his site: http://www.reptileincubator.com/

Look for this model:
Kemp's Herp-Bator Reptile Incubator
Automatic Heating/Cooling
Item Number: KRHB

If you aren't in a rush, see if he's coming to the June San Digeo show again. If he's still offering the "Sale Price", you could save the shipping charges, assuming that you were going anyway . Not going? I'm sure that one of us SBCK members would pick it up for you .

Here's the original, unmodified version:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/6ad2/

A number of people have used the unmodified version with varying (excuse the pun ) success. With its so-so temp regulation, it may leave one to question whether any egg loss was due to improper temp control or some other factor(s) .

 

[brien]

I have the same question I have an incubator what should I set the humidity on for panther eggs