Pre-Hatch Check List--Equipment
Before you are ready to set the new season’s eggs follow the steps below to avoid some common problems:
Find the instructions and read them carefully! Even experienced breeders should familiarise themselves with the instructions to check some of the less obvious issues – for example, ensuring the incubator sits level, as a tilt may affect temperature control in some models.
• Before plugging in…
Clean your incubator thoroughly. As incubators are warm and wet they are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and if they have been left with debris from the last hatch of last year they will harbour germs which are highly likely to damage your next hatch. After removing any old shells, fluff and dirt, it is best to soak non-electrical parts like egg trays in a disinfectant solution for an hour before scrubbing clean. Do not use the dishwasher! Or water over 50C. Clean around heaters and fans with a brush or slightly damp cloth using the same disinfectant solution. Be very careful not to let water get near any electrical parts including motors, heaters and control housings. Use Incubation Disinfectant which is both powerful and safe and has been specially formulated to kill bacteria and fungi associated with birds and is available from many incubator specialists. Leave the incubator parts to dry thoroughly. If they are properly clean they should no longer have a strong odour. Replace the wicking tube or evaporating paper/blocks (depending on model). If dirty these can harbour bacteria and may not evaporate water properly.
• Check for rodent damage
Incubators stored in garages, sheds and barns can attract vermin. In particular check that cables and covers of electrical parts haven’t been nibbled. If there is any damage your incubator may not be safe to use, please contact manufacturer for further advice.
• Check for other damage
Inspect the glass thermometer (if fitted) for damage and air bubbles in the liquid which will result in inaccurate temperature readings. If your incubator thermometer ended up in a thousand pieces on the floor don’t be tempted to replace it with a general purpose one, use specialist Incubation thermometers which are specially designed with a very narrow but accurate temperature range. If other parts have been ravaged by time or accidents or smaller parts like egg dividers have been lost then you can contact the manufacturer or your retailer where many parts for older models are stocked.
• Plug in!
Monitor the temperature. Ensure correct set temperature (see instructions) is reached for at least 24 hours before setting eggs – ideally leave for a few days. Check that the temperature control indicator is working correctly, this is either a red light or * on the digital display next to the temperature which should flash on and off indicating that the controlled temperature has been reached. Check the turning by observation. This can be very tedious for incubators with slow continuous turning so place an egg inside with a coin on top. After one hour at most the coin should have fallen off. If the turning isn’t working refer to the user instructions. Next, check the fan is spinning by observation – please do not use your fingers!! Check the humidity reading (where applicable). If using a wet bulb thermometer check that the wick is clean and the reservoir topped up with water. With digital systems check that the reading is sensible (in a cold incubator this will be between 30 and 90%). If your incubator is fitted with a humidity control pump change the short length of silicone tubing around the pump head as this part wears out and can become stuck together internally. Run your incubator for a few days if possible and re-check the above before setting your eggs.
• Incubation Check List
Mark an "x" on one side and an "o" on the other side of each egg with a pencil.
Turn your fertile eggs three times a day beginning on day two until the 18th day of incubation.
Wash your hands thourougly before and after handling the eggs. Keep records on turning the eggs.
Candle eggs on day 4, 7, 10, 14, 18 and after 21. Do not candle after day 18 until you are sure that hatching is complete.
• At the End of Day 18
Place a thin layer of cheese cloth over the wire rack, then place the eggs on the cheese cloth.
Add wet sponges to bottom channels to increase moisture, and if your incubator has vent plugs, remove them as appropriate.
When chicks hatch, lower incubator temperature to 95 degrees F. Do not remove chicks from incubator until they are dry and fluffy.
• When Hatching Begins -- Day 21
Set up a brooder box.
Get out feeder and waterer.
Place wood shavings or other suitable class="smaller" litter in the bottom of the brooder box.
Regulate the temperature around 95 degrees F.
Provide water and feed for chicks after they are placed in the brooder box. Place marbles or rocks in the waterer to keep chicks from drowning.
Return hatched chicks to the Extension Office or take them to the farm at the agreed upon time.
• After Hatch
Clean your incubator with a diluted bleach solution.
Allow to dry.
Wash and dry feeder and waterer.
Put incubator and other equipment away for next year.
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