MJ1023 GB Issue 01
13
To make the shelves level for a long time (e.g. when hatching):
Automatic turning must be set to
off
(0) in the Main Menu.
Press the OK and
– buttons at the same time. The control system starts the shelves turning and
stops them when they are approximately level. No further action is taken until automatic turning is
switched back on in the main menu.
If a button is pressed at any time while the shelves are turning the motor is stopped and the
system will be left in “pause” mode. A button must be pressed to resume turning again. If it is not
restarted within 30 minutes an alarm sounds to remind the operator.
10
Egg Setting
10.1 Before setting eggs ensure that the incubator has been run for several hours and has stabilised at the
correct temperature.
10.2
Use the standard egg “flats” or Universal Egg Trays as purchased with the incubator to set the eggs
on the setting shelves. Load the shelves evenly to avoid overloading the turning system. Eggs should
be evenly distributed over each flat or tray to ensure the shelves are balanced. Note that some egg
trays are narrower than others and may slide from side to side on the shelves. This is not something to
be concerned about.
10.3 Eggs may be set on end (or at an angle) provided the large end of the egg is upwards. Eggs rolling
through a few degrees as the incubator turns are not in danger.
Ensure that nothing can restrict the movement of the trays or setting shelves. This may
damage the turning mechanism and invalidate the guarantee. Load the setting shelves evenly
to help prevent imbalanced operation. ENSURE TRAYS ARE PUSHED TO THE BACK OF EACH
SHELF.
10.4 Once the egg trays have been placed on the shelves close the door.
10.5 Re-start the turning (see section 9 for details).
10.6 Once the eggs have been set the temperature must not be adjusted for 24 hours to allow the eggs to
warm. Check the water level every 3 days or so and temperature daily. Candle the eggs after 1/3rd of
the incubation period has elapsed to reject clear, infertile eggs (see section 14).
11
Periodic Incubation Cooling
Bird breeders have known for many decades that eggs can be cooled for limited periods of time during
incubation without causing problems but recent research has shown that hatch rates can increase
significantly as a result of cooling. This research was carried out with poultry but it is generally accepted that
the benefits can apply to waterfowl too. Cooling is an entirely natural process as most birds will get off the
nest at least once a day and leave the eggs unheated for a significant time. From Brinsea’s 35 year
experience, the best hatch rates are always achieved when the incubator can best mimic the natural nest
conditions.
The precise details of which days and what cooling period each day should be used for best effect are not
known but Brinsea have assessed the available research and recommend the following daily cooling periods
from day 7 through to 2 days before they are due to hatch (the same point that automatic turning would
normally be stopped).
Smaller poultry, waterfowl and game bird eggs: 2 hours each day
Larger species eggs (e.g. duck and goose):
3 hours each day
Cooling is not recommended for parrots and b
irds of prey because the results of cooling haven’t yet been
established. For further details please visit the Brinsea website at
www.Brinsea.co.uk/cooling