Hints for hatching!

Hints for hatching!
NOTE: If you are new to using an incubator, you may find it difficult to see eggs that
make it most of the way and then not hatch, or worse, see a chick begin to hatch only
to die in the shell. It is nature taking the weaker birds before hatching. This keeps the
species strong. This may happen for many reasons beyond your control, such as rough
handling of eggs before incubation, hatching eggs kept too cold or too warm or too long
before hatching, and lower quality hatching eggs in general. Our incubators have been proven to provide high hatch rates for most eggs most of the time. Best of luck with your hatch!
MAINTAIN SANITARY CONDITIONS: Always wash hands with anti-bacterial soap
before handling eggs. Avoid excess handling of eggs. Embryos are extremely susceptible to
disease from bacteria. Hand perspiration or other foreign materials block the pores of the
shells and can permeate the egg, resulting in bacterial growth. Avoid breathing on eggs,
particularly if you have a cold or are ill. Eggs should be held in a cool location between
50 - 55°F until you are ready to incubate. Do not refrigerate hatching eggs.
TURN THE EGGS: Turn the eggs at least 2-3 times per day, every day at the same time.
Avoid shocking and jarring the eggs. Eggs can be rotated by removing a few from the center
of the incubator and rolling the rest toward the center. Using the palm of your hand, gently
roll the eggs until they have been turned. Continue to turn eggs until 3 days prior to total
incubation and hatching time. If using the Automatic Egg Turner (FHP-ET115), discontinue
use 3 days prior to total incubation and hatching time. Unplug the turner and remove it from the
incubator. Carefully place eggs on the plastic mesh screen. It is critical that you stop turning/rotating eggs 3 days prior to incubation. The chicks are positioning themselves for hatching.
BIRD
ESTIMATED DAYS
TO HATCH
HATCHING
TEMPERATURE (0 F)
Chicken
21
99.5
Bob White Quail
23
99.5
Cortunix Quail
17-18
99.9
Pheasant
23-28
99.5
Chukar
23-24
99.5
Turkey
28
99
Duck
28
99.5
Goose
28-24
99
Guinea
28
99.5
or Schools
at f
!
MARK AND SET THE EGGS: Using a lead pencil, lightly place a small “x” on one side of
each egg, and an “o” on the other side. (Do not use pen or markers as they may contaminate
the eggshell.) This mark will help you identify when eggs have been turned. Place the eggs in
the incubator so that they lay sideways on the plastic mesh screen. Do not overcrowd eggs.
Place the Thermometer with the permanently attached plastic holder so that it lays flat on
the top of the eggs. Warm air rises and the thermometer should be read at the top of the
eggs. Set the top of the incubator in place, and if necessary, move the thermometer so you
can view the temperature readings through either window. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the
eggs to warm up to the temperature of the incubator. Do not adjust the control knob during
this time. Do not open the incubator the first day after the eggs are set.
HATCHING EGGS: When you have 3 days remaining until hatch, stop turning the eggs. If you
have an automatic egg turner, unplug it, and remove it from the incubator. Carefully place eggs
on the plastic mesh screen. It is very important that you have the screen in place. The mesh
screen allows the chicks to stand fostering leg development and strength. Remove both green
vent plugs from the top of the incubator to increase ventilation. Increase the humidity level. This
allows the chick to rotate freely while breaking the shell during hatching.
Gre
Consult your library, local hatchery, or the internet for hatching guidelines for the
specific type of eggs you plan to incubate. One source for hatching information can be
found at: www.FallHarvestProducts.com/Education
Do not open incubator except to remove chicks. Chicks can be removed from the incubator
when they are completely dry. Some chicks may hatch late, so continue to run the incubator
for a few extra days beyond the normal hatch period. Eggs not hatched 3 days beyond the
hatch date should be discarded.
POST HATCH: When chicks are removed from the incubator, they must have a place that is
warm and dry. Please consult your library, internet, or local hatchery for information on brooding, feeding, and watering. After all chicks have been removed from the incubator, rinse the
bottom with anti-bacterial soap. Do not scrub, as this will cause damage to the incubator.
TEST EGG FERTILITY: Fertility testing is done to make sure that embryos are developing
properly and to test that humidity conditions are acceptable. Fertility testing should be
conducted at two different times:
Circulated Air Incubator Instructions
FERTILITY TESTING
52 chicken eggs • 118 quail eggs • 90 pheasant eggs • 40 turkey eggs • 40 duck eggs
White, clear-shelled eggs
Dark shelled eggs
Phase 1
Third or Fourth day of
incubation
Seventh or Eighth
day of incubation
Phase 2
14th day of incubation
14th day of
incubation
Testing is done by candling all eggs in the incubator. A candler can be made using a
shoe box or a can. Make a hole with a diameter of about 25% the size of the egg (about
the size of a quarter) in the top of the box or can. Set the egg on this hole. Now place a
strong light source (a mechanics trouble light or flashlight will do) under the box or can.
Light will pass through the hole, into the egg, so that it is illuminated.
• If you observe a cloudy spot or mass, then a live, growing embryo is present.
• If the contents of the egg allow light to pass through it uniformly, then it can be assumed
the egg is not fertile. Remove it from the incubator and discard.
Some of the embryos that looked healthy during your first fertility test may have weakened and died by the second fertility test. These eggs and any eggs that show signs of
blood spots or blood rings should be removed from the incubator and discarded.
(FHP-CA115)
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE EACH USE
DISCLAIMER: DUE TO THE NUMEROUS FACTORS RELATING TO THE HATCHING OF EGGS, FALL
HARVEST PRODUCTS® MAKES NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER IN RESPECT TO THE NUMBER
OF EGGS THAT WILL BE HATCHED USING THE #CA115 AIR FLOW INCUBATOR OR THE #ET115
AUTOMATIC EGG TURNER.
FALL HARVEST PRODUCTS (FHP) WARRANTY: FHP’s Products are warranted to the original purchaser
to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. FHP obligation
under this Warranty shall be limited to the repair or exchanges of any part or parts, which may thus
prove defective under normal use and service within 30 days from the date of shipment by FHP to the
original purchaser, & which FHP examination shall disclose to its satisfaction to be thus defective. A return
material authorization (RMA) is required. Please call FHP Customer Service 1-866-352-6652 below for an
RMA number and return address prior to returning any merchandise. FHP reserves the right to refuse any
merchandise returned without an RMA.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR
LIABILITIES ON OUR PART. WE NEITHER ASSUME NOR AUTHORIZE ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR
US ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF FHP PRODUCTS OR ANY PART THEREOF
WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT, NEGLIGENCE, ALTERATION, ABUSE OR MISUSE. WE MAKE
NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER IN RESPECT TO ACCESSORIES OR PARTS NOT SUPPLIED BY US.
CONTENTS: Unpack the box and verify that the following items were delivered
with your order. IMPORTANT: If any parts are missing from your order contact
Fall Harvest Products® at 1-866-352-6652 or [email protected].
CAUTION: This product must be used with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
protected outlet. DO NOT expose the product’s electrical parts to water.
NOTE: Due to different hatching requirements, it is recommended that you hatch only
one species of egg per hatch. For example, it is not recommended that you attempt to
hatch chicken and quail eggs at the same time in the same incubator.
Manchaug, MA 01526
www.FallHarvestProducts.com
Customer Service: 1-866-352-6652
CA115 V1.1 I
DESCRIPTION
OPERATION INCUBATOR REGULATION
CLEANING AND STORAGE
Circulated Air Flow Incubator top with Heating
Element, Thermostat, Forced Air Turbo-Fan, and
two Windows installed
Before beginning a hatch, you need to regulate the incubator temperature.
1
Circulated Air Flow Incubator bottom
After all chicks have been removed from the incubator, separate the liner from the
bottom of the incubator. Thoroughly clean the liner with anti-bacterial soap. Rinse the
bottom with anti-bacterial soap. Do not scrub the bottom, as this will cause damage to
the incubator. Carefully wipe the incubator top, if necessary.
1
Protective Liner (installed in incubator bottom)
1
Incubator Thermometer
1
Plastic Mesh Screen
1
Set of instructions
2. W
atch the thermometer as the incubator heats up. As soon as it registers to the temperature recommended for the species you are hatching, turn the control knob slowly. Adjust the control knob
counter-clockwise to decrease heat and clockwise to increase heat until you have it regulated to
hold at the desired temperature. The red indicator light may flicker off and on during this process.
This is normal and indicates that the incubator is adjusting to changes in both internal and external
air temperatures. AVERAGE temperature should be 99.5º F (37º), however, temperature will drop
below during off cycle and rise above during heating cycle.
QUANTITY
1
The Circulated Air Incubator (#CA115) features an Air Flow Fan to help
keep temperature uniform inside the incubator. It also features two 5” x
10” viewing windows. It comes complete with thermometer, solid state
thermostat, plastic mesh screen, incubator protective liner, and an easy to
fill water trough built into the base of the incubator to add humidity.
Approximate capacity is:
52 chicken eggs • 118 quail eggs
90 pheasant eggs • 40 turkey eggs • 40 duck eggs
CHOOSE THE PROPER LOCATION FOR YOUR INCUBATOR
The function of an incubator is to bring normal room temperature up to a desired
temperature for hatching eggs. Install your incubator in a room that has a stable
temperature between 60°F - 80°F. The ideal room temperature is 70°F. Avoid setting your incubator in drafty areas like near a window or on a porch. Avoid direct
sunlight. If your room temperature is constant and free of drafts, your Circulated Air Flow
Incubator will need very few adjustments once regulated. If your room temperature
fluctuates more than a few degrees, your incubator will need periodic adjustments.
Be sure to monitor your incubator regularly. It is important to follow proper hatching
guidelines specific to the type of eggs you plan to incubate.
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
Be sure you have a clear, flat surface available on which to unpack and assemble
your incubator.
1. Unpack your incubator and separate the bottom half of the incubator from inside
the top half of the incubator. The top half of the incubator should be complete
with two windows, heating element, thermostat, indicator light, circulation fan, and
power cord. The bottom half of the incubator should have the incubator liner and
mesh screen in place.
2. Set the bottom of the incubator on a flat surface and remove the plastic mesh
screen and plastic liner. Ensure that the 5 holes in the bottom of the incubator are
clear to allow proper air circulation. Ensure the tips of the 5 cones in the plastic liner
are cut off and re-insert the plastic liner into the bottom of the incubator. Use a pen,
pencil or paper clip to make sure all of the holes are clear. Re-insert the plastic mesh
screen into the bottom of the incubator on top of the plastic liner. Set the Incubator
thermometer on top of the plastic mesh screen.
3. Set the top of the incubator on a flat surface and remove the 2 green plugs from the
two large ventilation holes. Ensure that the two holes are clear and then re-insert
the 2 green plugs. Also ensure that the 8 small ventilation holes on the top of the
incubator are clear. Use a pen, pencil or paper clip to make sure all of the holes are
clear. Place the top of the incubator on the bottom of the incubator. Line up the
cord exit slot in the top half with the slot in the bottom half. NOTE: This notch is
used for the power cord when using the optional Automatic Egg Turner.
1. T
urn the control knob fully clockwise. The red indicator light will come on and the element will begin
to heat. CAUTION: Element becomes very hot and can cause burns to exposed skin.
3. R
un the incubator for 6-8 hours. At the end of this time, make sure the desired temperature was
maintained. If so, you are ready to incubate!
HUMIDITY CONTROL AND VENTILATION
A good hygrometer will help you control the humidity.
1. F
ill the water trough in the bottom of the incubator with water. The trough is designed so that it
can be easily filled. This adds necessary humidity to the air in the incubator.
2. C
heck the water trough daily, adding lukewarm water as needed. If the room where your incubator is placed has good natural moisture content, add water less frequently than if your climate or
room conditions are dry. NEVER let water trough go dry.
3. G
ood ventilation is important in the hatching process. Air exchange is needed during embryo
development and should be increased as chicks start to hatch. If the windows fog due to high
humidity remove one of the green plastic vent plugs on the top of the incubator. One is located
between the two windows toward the front of the incubator, closest to the power cord. The second is located at the opposite end of the incubator, furthest from the power cord. If the windows
continue to fog, remove the second green plug.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
PROBLEM
REASON
SOLUTION
• Indicator light does
not turn on
• No power source
• Plug unit in
• Ensure power to the outlet
• Indicator light
flickers
• The unit is automatically
adjusting to temperature
variations
• This is normal
• Loss of power
• Erratic power source
• Loose wire
• Check plug connection
• Incubator does not
heat to 100ºF
• Room may be too cold or
drafty
•R
oom temperature
must be 65ºF - 72ºF
•R
oom temperature must
be stable
• L ocate incubator in a
draft free area
• Incubator trough
dries out
• Room too dry
• Trough is full of water
•A
dd a wet sponge to the
bottom of the incubator
• Re-insert vent plugs
ACCESSORIES (SOLD SEPARATELY)
HEATING ELEMENT
The Automatic Egg Turner features a motorized egg turner with six large egg racks holding up to seven eggs each. The Automatic Egg Turner makes one complete cycle (tipping
side to side) approximately every 4 hours. Safely turns eggs to prevent the yoke from settling to one side and to exercise the embryo. Eliminates turning the eggs by hand which
is the most demanding and time consuming part of egg incubation. IMPORTANT: Turkey
and duck eggs will not fit in the Automatic Egg Turner.
AIR CIRCULATING FAN
NO RUST PLASTIC
FLOOR SCREEN
AUTOMATIC EGG TURNER
SOLID STATE
THERMOSTAT
HYGROMETER
QUAIL EGG RACKS
WATERPROOF
PLASTIC LINER
UNDER SCREEN
VENT PLUG
LARGE
VIEWING
WINDOW
CONTROL KNOB
INDICATOR LIGHT
AUTOMATIC EGG TURNER - FHP-ET115
The Automatic Egg Turner features a motorized
egg turner with six large egg racks holding up
to seven eggs each. The Automatic Egg Turner
makes one complete cycle (tipping side to side)
every 4 hours. Safely turns eggs to prevent the
yoke from settling to one side and to exercise
the embryo. Eliminates turning the eggs by hand
which is the most demanding and time consuming part of egg incubation.
HYGROMETER - FHP-HYGRO
This hygrometer has been designed specifically
for incubators. It is absolutely essential to maintain correct moisture for high percentage hatches.
QUAIL EGG RACKS - FHP-QR118
Replaces standard egg rails with rails specifically
designed to hold up to 118 quail or other small
eggs.