FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Q
- The chicks in my machine are fully formed, some pipped,
but did not hatch. (late death) What went wrong?
A - This common problem can be caused by many
factors. The most frequent cause is incorrect humidity
– usually too high.
Refer to our datasheet ‘Humidity
in Incubation' or the 'Brinsea®
Incubation Handbook' for more information.
Q - The
chicks in my machine are only part formed (very early
death) What went wrong?
A - Again number of possible causes: turning
failure, bacterial infection in incubator, temperature
fluctuations, power failure or problems with parent
stock (e.g. in-breeding, poor nutrition).
Q
- The power has gone off. How long will the eggs be
OK for?
A - Generally for a period of up to an hour.
If the unit is well insulated and the temperature doesn’t
drop too much this could be longer. For
more details refer to our datasheet ‘What
if the power goes off?’
Q
- How often should eggs be turned?
A - It is recommended that poultry, game and waterfowl
eggs are turned a minimum of twice a day – ideally
more often. Automatic turning is often hourly. Some
species (parrots and birds of prey) need tuning at least
every hour.
Q
- How long can I leave the chick in the incubator after
they have hatched ?
A - Leave the chicks in the incubator until
their down is dry – usually about 24 hours. They
will not require food or drink in that time.
Q
- Should I spray the eggs during incubation or when
they are due to hatch ?
A - Spraying only increases humidity for a very
short time and will not ‘soften’ the egg
shell. Spraying eggs can also transmit or spread infection
and is therefore not recommended. The main effect it
has on the egg is to cool it as the water evaporates.
There is some evidence that periodic cooling can improve
hatch results but this should be achieved in other ways
(e.g. leave the lid open for half an hour per day).
Q
- When I set the eggs which way up should they be?
A - It is essential that eggs are set so that
the round end upwards or they are on their sides.
Q
- I am confused about the correct temperature for my
eggs. I have been told different temperatures by different
people. How can I be sure which is correct?
A - Always refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions as different types of incubators may require
different settings.
Refer to Instruction
downloads for copies of
operating instructions for Brinsea® incubators
Q
- When should I stop the turning ?
A - Turning should be stopped and the machine
set level 2-3 days before the eggs are due to hatch.
Q - What is the correct humidity level for incubation.
A - Generally for poultry it is between 40-50%
and for Parrots 35-45%
Refer to our datasheet ‘Humidity
in Incubation' or the 'Brinsea®
Incubation Handbook' for more information.
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