How do you increase or decrease humidity?

[Man Cave]

I have a forced air Little giant incubator with egg turner and it is running 99.5 -100 temp and 65% Humidity. I have 1 vent cap off and suggested by Little Giant. I only open every 3rd day to fill the built in water trays. How do i increase the humidity on the 3 day before hatching rule takes place. I will do this when i remove the egg turner.

     Thanks, Tommy 

[Reeves]

How do i increase the humidity on the 3 day before hatching rule takes place.

Increase water surface area.

[CharlieHorse]

If I remember correctly, you should have more than one water reservior.  Using only one during incubation, then filling the other one in order to raise the humidity for hatching. If that's not enough, then some have added sponges to increase the water surface, as Reeves mentioned, in order to increase humidity.  As you may already know, water surface is what changes humidity levels, not the depth/amount of water.   If you are already filling all of the reserviors, you may be letting in too much fresh air?  I used to add a couple of those little "Dixie" paper bathroom cups when hatching in the styrofoam incubators. Sponges can be a pain, especially when they start to hatch and are running all over the place.   A cabinet incubator makes life much, much easier.

Good Luck.

[Reeves]

Keep in mind a sponge is a one time use item. They quickly build up bacteria and hold onto it even if washed.

[Man Cave]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I currently have all the trays filled and my humidity is running at 65%. When i get to the last 3 days I will make some small shallow pans and fill them with water. They  can sit next to the existing built in trays. I will place them under the wire.  I will probably make them out of Aluminum foil.  Does this sound reasonable?

[CharlieHorse]

That will work.  

Be sure that whatever you're using to measure humidity levels is accurate.  I always use more than one device, especially when using electronic hygrometers.

[Flying Bob]

 Sounds like you have a plan, but I have also sprayed eggs on the last day or so with a well cleaned out spray bottle of water that has been warmed to 100 degrees.... That'll get that humidity up there....