Getting Your Brinsea Incubator Ready for Spring – Beginner Friendly Guide
If you’re pulling your Brinsea incubator out of storage ready for spring hatching season, it’s a really good idea to give it a quick clean and check over before adding eggs.
Don’t worry — you do not need to be an expert or pull the whole machine apart. Most incubators just need a simple clean, a basic check, and a test run to make sure everything is working properly.
Doing this now can help avoid problems later when you have eggs inside.
Step 1 – Unplug It and Empty Everything Out
First, unplug the incubator from the wall.
Remove:
· Egg trays
· Turning trays or cradles
· Water containers
· Mats or liners
Basically, anything that lifts out easily.
If you’re unsure whether something should come apart, don’t force it.
Step 2 – Clean Out the Dust and Fluff
Over time incubators collect:
· Dust
· Feather fluff
· Dried shell bits
· Old water residue
Using a damp cloth and warm soapy water:
· Wipe down the inside
· Clean the trays
· Clean around the vents
A soft paintbrush can help remove dust from corners and fan areas.
Try not to get water into the digital controls or electrical parts.
Step 3 – Check the Fan is Working
The fan helps move warm air around the incubator evenly.
When you switch the incubator on:
· You should hear the fan running quietly
· Air should feel slightly warm after a while
· There shouldn’t be loud grinding or rattling noises
If the fan sounds rough or doesn’t spin properly, it may need replacing before hatch season.
Step 4 – Check the Egg Turner
If your incubator has automatic egg turning:
· Plug it in
· Watch to see if the tray slowly moves
· Make sure nothing sticks or jams
A slow gentle movement is normal.
Step 5 – Check the Power Cord
Have a quick look over the plug and cord.
Make sure:
· No cracks
· No exposed wires
· No chew marks from mice
· Plug fits firmly into the wall
If anything looks damaged, don’t use it until repaired.
Step 6 – Run It Empty for a Day
This is one of the most important steps.
Before putting eggs in:
· Fill the water channels if needed
· Turn the incubator on
· Let it run empty for 24 hours
·
This gives you time to check:
· The temperature stays steady
· Humidity is working
· The fan runs properly
· The egg turner works
It’s much better to find problems now instead of halfway through a hatch.
Step 7 – Double Check Temperature
Even good incubators can drift slightly over time.
If possible, place a second thermometer inside to compare temperatures.
For most chicken eggs:
· Around 37.5°C is ideal
If temperatures are too high or too low, adjust the settings slowly and give the incubator time to stabilise.
A Few Extra Tips
· Keep the incubator indoors where temperatures stay stable
· Avoid garages or cold sheds if possible
· Keep it out of direct sunlight
· Wash your hands before handling eggs
· Only use clean fertile eggs
Don’t Panic if You’re New to This
Most Brinsea incubators are very reliable and beginner friendly. The biggest thing is simply making sure everything is clean and running properly before you start.
A little preparation now can make hatch season much smoother — and much less stressful!
Happy hatching from the team at Chook Manor 🐣
