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 harbor 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! 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 Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant which is both powerful and safe and has been specially formulated to kill bacteria and fungi associated with birds and is available online from www.brinsea.com.  Leave the incubator parts to dry thoroughly. If they are properly clean they should no longer have a strong odor.

Replace the wicking tube or evaporating paper/blocks (depending on model). If dirty these can harbor 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 us at Brinsea 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, Brinsea Incubation thermometers are specially designed with a very narrow but accurate temperature range and replacements are available from www.brinsea.com.
If other parts have been ravaged by time or accidents or smaller parts like egg dividers have been lost then you can contact Brinsea where many parts for older models are stocked.

Plug in!
Monitor the temperature. Ensure correct set temperature (see instructions) is reached for at least an hour before setting eggs – ideally leave overnight. 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.

Spares and accessories for Brinsea incubators are available from www.brinsea.com or by calling us at 1-888-667-7009.