A016 GB Issue 02
10
drying and hardening before the hatch fully emerges. Humidity will naturally increase as the first eggs
begin to hatch and internal membranes begin to dry. This effect is in addition to the increased area of
water evaporation from the water pots.
8.6
During hatching the high humidity levels will fall dramatically when the lid is opened and will take some
time to build up. Resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently – leave for at least 6 hours between
inspections.
IMPORTANT: After hatching, the smallest chicks (e.g. quail) can be at risk from drowning in the water pots.
It is advised that small pebbles or marbles are placed in each water pot before hatching to reduce this risk.
This will not reduce the evaporation of the water if the level is maintained to just above the pebbles.
It is normal for some condensation to occur on the cooler exposed parts of the clear top. This natural
phenomenon is not a hazard or a problem for incubation.
9 Egg Setting and Day Countdown
9.1
The Mini Advance is designed to accommodate 7 eggs of different sizes up to some duck eggs. An
alternative egg disc for up to 12 small eggs such as quail may be purchased as an accessory. Contact your
retailer or Brinsea Products.
9.2
Before setting eggs ensure that the incubator has been run for several hours and has stabilised at the
correct temperature.
9.3
Set the eggs in the pockets in the egg disc. Most eggs favour being set with their pointed ends towards the
edge of the egg disc (blunt end towards the centre). Some experimentation may be required to check
which direction gives the most even turning. Very small eggs typically favour being set with their points
towards the centre, especially when using the Small Egg Disc for 12 eggs.
9.4
Eggs should rest so that their pointed end is down most of the time. This will happen more naturally as
the air space gets larger during incubation. If a particular egg is tending to rest point upwards turn it
round to face the other way in the pocket on the egg disc.
9.5
Ensure the eggs are clean around their middle as large pieces of dirt may prevent them turning correctly.
9.6
The day countdown may be set to the correct number of days for the particular species of egg being
incubated. If the turning system is in automatic mode (section 10) the eggs will stop being turned 2 days
before the eggs are due to hatch. Note that if the eggs have already been incubated by the parent bird the
number of days should be reduced accordingly.
9.7
Typical incubation periods for a number of species are listed on page 3.
9.8
SETTING THE DAY COUNTDOWN
Press the - and + buttons simultaneously to unlock the Main Menu.
Press + to scroll to the day countdown option.
Press OK to select the day countdown screen and adjust as necessary using the + and – buttons e.g. hens
21, ducks 28.
Press OK to return to the Main Menu and then scroll down to SAVE. Press OK to save the changes.
9.9
Switch the turning system on – see section 10. A revolving line symbol “/” should be shown in the corner
of the display.
9.10
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).