Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Prodi and who is Cimuka?

Cimuka is the manufacturer of the incubators and has been active worldwide for over 40 years. Prodi Brutgeräte is the official Cimuka distributor for Europe, based in Gersthofen near Augsburg. We provide personal advice, ship directly from our warehouse in Germany, and handle service and spare parts.

Where can I buy Cimuka incubators, including in Austria and Switzerland?

You can purchase Cimuka incubators directly from Prodi Brutgeräte, the official Cimuka distributor for Europe, in our online shop at prodi-brutgeraete.de.

We deliver to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Are Cimuka incubators good? What are the experiences with them?

Cimuka has been developing incubation technology for over 40 years and, according to its own statements, has over 100,000 customers worldwide. Typical feature of the devices are patented systems such as Humisonic™ (automatic ultrasonic humidification), Conturn™ and TurnX™ (automatic egg turning), and Airroute™ (airflow management). In their reviews, customers report easy setup and stable values. Under optimal conditions—meaning with quality hatching eggs and a suitable environment—hatch rates of approximately 95–97% are realistic. You can find the reviews on the product pages.

What should I look for when comparing incubators?

Compare incubators based on four criteria: humidity, turning system, service, and value for money. Here is the best approach:

• Humidity: Is it controlled automatically or manually? On Cimuka CT and HB models, the Humisonic™ system handles this fully automatically—you simply set your target value.
• Egg Turning: Check whether the machine turns the eggs automatically. Cimuka turns eggs independently using Conturn™ or TurnX™.
• Service and Spare Parts: An incubation period lasts 21 days, and questions cannot be postponed. At Prodi, you can reach an experienced, dedicated team by phone, WhatsApp, email, and social media, usually on the same business day. We return missed calls as quickly as possible. Spare parts are delivered directly from our warehouse in Germany.
• Value for Money: Look at what is included in the price. The fully automatic Cimuka CT120SH, with capacity for up to 120 eggs, Humisonic™ humidification, and automatic turning, costs €799 (as of October 2026).

Are service and spare parts available in Germany?

We have suitable spare parts and accessories for our entire product range—from incubators and brooder boxes to defeathering machines—available directly from stock in Germany. We offer personal advice, for example via WhatsApp at +49 176 314 524 96. Spare parts for Conturn and TurnX turning systems, turning trays, hatching baskets, Humisonic™ humidification modules, breeding boxes, and much more can be found directly in our shop.

Delivery Time & Warranty:

Fast delivery directly from warehouse in Germany:

• Cimuka CT Series (CT60SH, CT120SH, CT180SH) & PD30SH: approx. 2–4 business days (parcel shipping)
• HB Series: approx. 3–8 business days (freight shipping)
• Commercial T Series: approx. 4–6 weeks, depending on model and configurationNote on international shipping: For deliveries to other European countries (e.g., Austria, Switzerland, or Italy), the delivery time is extended by approx. 2 to 4 business days, depending on the destination country.Warranty: You receive a 2-year warranty on all new devices directly through us as the official distributor (Prodi GmbH).

Which incubator fits how many eggs?

Capacities refer to chicken eggs:

• up to 30 eggs: Cimuka PD30SH (beginner incubator)
• up to 60 eggs: Cimuka CT60SH (fully automatic)
• up to 120 eggs: Cimuka CT120SH
• up to 180 eggs: Cimuka CT180SH
• 175 to 700 eggs: Cimuka HB Series (HB175, HB350, HB500, HB700)
• 960 to 4,800 eggs: Cimuka T Series for commercial use

Which incubator is best for beginners?

For entry-level incubation, we recommend the Cimuka PD30SH (€279) or the Cimuka CT60SH (€629). The key question is: Would you like to actively participate in the hatching process, or should technology handle it for you?

Cimuka PD30SH: Hands-on incubation

• For 30 chicken eggs
• Compact and transparent, allowing you to follow the incubation process live
• Fully automatic temperature control
• Automatic egg turning with Conturn™
• Humidity is managed manually via water channels

Cimuka CT60SH: Fully automatic

• For 60 chicken eggs
• Fully automatic temperature control
• Humidity runs fully automatically with Humisonic™
• Highly insulated housing
• Automatic egg turning with 2× Conturn™
• Double door: maintenance and cleaning from the back
• Delivery in 2–4 business days directly from warehouse in Germany

Different ways, same goal: healthy chicks. Not sure which incubator suits you best? We are happy to advise you personally via WhatsApp. (Prices as of October 2026)

Which incubator for 100 chicken eggs?

For 100 chicken eggs, we recommend the Cimuka CT120SH from Prodi. The fully automatic incubator holds up to 120 chicken eggs and independently regulates temperature and humidity with Humisonic™ humidification. The Conturn™ system turns the eggs automatically, while the Airroute™ airflow management ensures a uniform climate. If you regularly incubate higher quantities, the CT180SH with up to 180 eggs is the next step up. Delivery time: 2–4 business days, 2-year warranty.

Which automatic incubator for 500 eggs?

For 500 eggs, the large cabinet incubators of the Cimuka HB Series (HB350, HB500, HB700) are ideal, built for semi-professional breeders, medium-sized operations, and poultry farms. The TurnX™ turning system safely turns large batches, while Humisonic™ and Airroute™ ensure a uniform climate throughout the entire incubation chamber. Casters make it easy to move, and a maintenance door on the back makes cleaning and care straightforward.

Freight delivery in approx. 3–8 business days, 2-year warranty.

Which incubator for commercial poultry breeding?

For 960 to 4,800 chicken eggs, we offer the Cimuka T Series: highly insulated cabinet incubation plants with PID control for temperature and humidity, industrial turning systems, and alarm systems for continuous operation. Three variants are available: Setter (pure pre-incubator), Hatcher (pure hatcher), and Combi (pre-incubation and hatching in one device). Through the trolley system, the same cabinet can be equipped first as a Setter and then as a Hatcher. Delivery time depending on model approx. 4–6 weeks, 2-year warranty, spare parts directly from warehouse in Germany.

Semi-automatic vs. fully automatic incubator: which is better?

In both Cimuka series, the device controls temperature and turns the eggs automatically. The difference lies in humidity control: With the Cimuka PD30SH, the display shows humidity levels, but you regulate them manually via the water channels. This is ideal if you like to take an active role. The fully automatic Cimuka CT Series (CT60SH, CT120SH, CT180SH) also regulates humidity automatically via Humisonic™. This is the right choice if you want minimal effort and the highest level of reliability.

Do I need a separate hatcher?

Generally not for hobbies and small stocks. Models with "SH" in their name, such as the Cimuka CT120SH, are combination devices: development and hatching take place in the same cabinet. A separate pre-incubator (Setter) and hatcher (Hatcher) are worthwhile for regular hatches and larger quantities: you can add new eggs weekly while the eggs ready to hatch hatch in the Hatcher. Additionally, the Setter stays clean because dust, down, and high humidity only occur in the Hatcher. Separate units are available in the CT, HB, and T Series, partially as cost-effective sets.

Which incubator for schools, kindergartens, or school projects?

The Cimuka PD30SH is ideal for schools and kindergartens. The transparent cover provides a direct view of the incubation process, allowing children to follow the values on the display and regulate humidity themselves. If minimal maintenance effort is preferred, the fully automatic Cimuka CT60SH is the more convenient choice.

How much does a good incubator cost?

Prices for Cimuka chicken egg incubators depend on size. Examples from our shop (as of October 2026): PD30SH (up to 30 eggs) €279, CT60SH (up to 60 eggs) €629, CT120SH (up to 120 eggs) €799, CT180SH (up to 180 eggs) €949, HB350C (Combi, 350 eggs) €1,369, HB700S (Setter, 700 eggs) €1,799.

How many eggs fit inside, including quail, duck, and goose eggs?

The stated capacity applies to chicken eggs. Quail eggs are smaller, so significantly more will fit. For larger eggs such as duck or goose eggs, the capacity is reduced accordingly. Choose your model according to your egg type or let us advise you, for example via WhatsApp.

What is the difference between incubator, hatcher, and setter?

In everyday language, all these terms refer to the same device: an apparatus that incubates eggs at a constant temperature and humidity while turning them automatically. Terms like automatic incubator, brooder, or artificial incubator are used synonymously. At Prodi, you will find Cimuka incubators for 30 to 4,800 eggs.

What is an incubator?

An incubator creates a safe, precisely controlled environment for embryo development. It reliably controls temperature, humidity, and air circulation, and handles automatic egg turning to provide optimal conditions for hatching. For more information: Our incubator range at a glance.

What are the advantages of an incubator compared to a broody hen?

With an incubator, you can hatch independently of the season and the animals' broodiness. Temperature, humidity, and egg turning remain stable and predictable, avoiding fluctuations typical of natural incubation. Under good conditions, you can achieve hatch rates of approx. 95–97%.

What is the difference between an incubator and a hatcher?

While the versatile combination models of the SH and C series cover the entire incubation period and can also be used purely as hatchers if needed using additional hatching baskets, the devices are clearly divided: The S series is specialized exclusively as a setter for pre-incubation (development), whereas the H models are designed as dedicated hatchers specifically for the final days. For more information: Our incubator range at a glance.

What are the advantages of an incubator compared to a broody hen?

Using an incubator allows you to breed completely independently of the seasons or the natural brooding behavior of the animals. Because conditions inside the machine remain precisely controllable and stable, fluctuations that a natural brood would be exposed to are effectively avoided. Our machines achieve an excellent average hatch rate of approx. 95–97%, provided that the quality of the hatching eggs and the environmental conditions are optimal. Through this controlled environment, you create the best possible conditions for a successful and predictable hatch of your chicks.

Which machine fits my planned number of eggs?

Our product line offers the right solution for every need, starting with the PD series, which serves as an affordable entry-level variant with a capacity of up to 60 eggs.

The CT series is aimed at ambitious breeders and includes the SH and H types with capacities ranging from 60 to 180 chicken eggs. For larger breeding projects, we offer the HB series, which covers the C, S, and H types and serves a range from 175 up to 700 eggs. For professional use, we also carry our commercial machines, which enable capacities from 960 up to 4,800 chicken eggs, allowing you to choose between compact hobby devices and high-performance professional systems depending on your breeding goals. For more info please visit: Our incubator range at a glance.

What capacity does the machine offer for my type of egg?

The stated capacity of our machines refers to chicken eggs by default in order to provide you with a clear benchmark for guidance. However, the actual number of eggs you can load varies depending on the type of egg: While significantly more small eggs (such as quail eggs) fit into the device, capacity is reduced accordingly for larger eggs such as duck or goose eggs. For instance, the PD series offers space for up to 60 chicken eggs, the CT series holds between 60 and 180, and the HB series covers the range from 175 up to 700 chicken eggs. For industrial applications, we also carry commercial machines for up to 4,800 chicken eggs. For more info please visit: Our incubator range at a glance.

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What should I pay special attention to when unpacking the machine parts?

Carefully remove all packaging materials and perform a visual inspection of all parts. Check the housing walls and technical components in particular for any possible transport damage before putting the device into operation.

Where is the best place to set up the incubator?

In an enclosed room with a stable room temperature of approx. 18–25 °C (ideally 21–22 °C), on a flat surface, and connected to a grounded power outlet. Maintain a distance of 50 cm from walls and furniture, avoid direct sunlight, drafts, balconies, and damp basements, and place the device out of reach of small children and pets. Let the machine run empty for 3–4 hours before inserting the eggs for the first time to check whether the temperature and humidity stabilize. The room should not be cooler than 18 °C.

• Safety & Access: Place the device in a location inaccessible to small children and pets to prevent accidents or accidental adjustment of parameters.
• Clearance: Maintain a minimum distance of 50 cm from walls and furniture to ensure unobstructed air circulation.
• Sunlight: Never place the device in direct sunlight, as this can cause uncontrollable temperature fluctuations inside.
• Room Climate: Avoid setting up on balconies, in damp basement rooms, or in areas with strong drafts.
• Surface & Power: The machine must stand on a stable, level surface and must be operated on a grounded power line.

By choosing a quiet, safe, and temperature-stable location, you create the ideal foundation for the successful development of the embryos.

Which environment is unsuitable?

Avoid temperatures below 18 °C or above 25 °C, drafts, strong temperature fluctuations, and rooms with pets or children.

Why shouldn't I operate the machine on the same electrical circuit as large appliances?

To prevent malfunctions of the sensitive controls, the machine should not be connected to electrical circuits that simultaneously power high-consumption devices (such as large shredders or radiant heaters). Voltage spikes or drops could disrupt precise temperature regulation.

Does the incubator need to be cleaned before first use?

Yes, wipe the inside of the device clean with a mild cleaning agent. This removes dust or residues from transport.

What should I keep in mind when connecting the cables for the first time?

Ensure that all connections—especially the adapters for the Conturn™ turning system and the Humisonic™ humidification system—are securely and correctly plugged into the control panel before connecting the power cable to the wall outlet.

Does the machine need to be tested before inserting the eggs?

Yes, it is mandatory to run the machine empty for 3–4 hours before loading the eggs. During this time, you can verify whether the temperature and humidity stabilize at your set values.

Does the water tray already need to be filled during preparation?

Yes, fill the first channel of the water tray with water during the preparation phase. Only then can the Humisonic™ system properly build up and stabilize the desired humidity during the test run. With the CT and HB series, you barely have to worry about anything: the integrated Humisonic™ system controls the humidity completely automatically. You simply enter your desired target value, and the machine handles the rest.

With the PD series, on the other hand, a bit of intuition and personal touch is required. Although the machine displays exactly how humid it is inside, it does not regulate it on its own. You control the humidity manually here: start the test run with the ventilation valves fully open. If the humidity is too low, simply fill the second channel of the water tray as well.

Monitor the values closely during the 3 to 4 hours of empty operation. Since the size of the water surface area is crucial for evaporation and humidity, you can adjust the values until everything fits your eggs perfectly.

Why does the PD series display humidity but not regulate it automatically?

The PD series is designed to offer the breeder full transparency regarding the climate inside the incubation chamber. Since regulation here is passive via the surface area of the water channels and ventilation, the display serves as a control tool so that the breeder can actively adjust settings by filling additional channels or adjusting the valves.

How do the ventilation valves affect humidity?

The ventilation valves regulate air exchange. Widely opened valves promote fresh air supply, but can lower humidity. If you have difficulty keeping humidity stable, you should fine-tune the interaction between the water level in the channels and the valve position during the testing phase.

Which eggs are suitable for incubation and how should I store them?

Use only clean, normally shaped, undamaged eggs that are no older than 5–7 days. Store them until insertion at 12–15 °C with the pointed end facing down. Do not wash hatching eggs: this destroys the natural protective layer of the shell. Before inserting them, the eggs should adapt to room temperature for a few hours so that no condensation forms. Insert the eggs with the pointed end facing down.

Should I insert freshly collected eggs immediately?

No, you should not put freshly collected eggs directly into the warm machine. It is important that the eggs first undergo a resting period of about 24 hours after collection. During this time, store the eggs in a cool place (ideally 12 °C to 15 °C) with the pointed end facing down. This resting period allows the inside of the egg—especially the chalazae and the air cell—to stabilize. Before you finally insert the eggs into the incubator, you should bring them into the incubation room for a few hours so they can slowly acclimate to the room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming on the shell and protects the embryo from dangerous temperature shock.

Do I need to turn the eggs by hand?

No. Cimuka incubators turn the eggs automatically: using the Conturn™ system (PD and CT series, where eggs are continuously and gently rotated) and the TurnX™ system (HB series, where trays are tilted 45° every hour). Egg turning continues until the end of the 18th day of incubation. At that point, you stop the turning process by unplugging the turning motor connector and place the eggs horizontally into the hatching basket. Never force the trays or rollers to turn by hand, as this can damage the turning motor.

How do I insert the eggs into the machine?

When placing the eggs into the Conturn™ turning trays, orientation is critical: the eggs must always be set into the channels with the pointed end facing down (the blunt end containing the air cell faces upward). Ensure the eggs fit securely without being squeezed, allowing the turning system to move them smoothly. If you are incubating eggs of varying sizes, adjust the spacing of the dividers in the trays beforehand so that every egg has sufficient space to rotate without colliding with neighboring eggs. Incorrect placement—such as with the pointed end facing up—can cause the chick to position itself incorrectly inside the egg, preventing it from hatching under its own strength later on.

How do I recognize if an egg is unsuitable for incubation?

In addition to cracks and heavy dirt, you should pay particular attention to shape and shell texture. Eggs that are extremely round, overly elongated, or deformed often lead to malformations. Eggs with very thin shells or chalky deposits ("pimples") on the surface should also be sorted out, as they interfere with gas exchange and humidity regulation inside the egg. A quick inspection with a candling lamp before insertion also helps detect fine hairline cracks that are invisible to the naked eye but could cause the egg to burst or allow bacteria to enter during incubation. Our ES1 candling lamp is perfectly suited for this purpose.

Should I disinfect the eggs before inserting them?

For private breeders, disinfection is usually unnecessary for clean eggs, provided that hygiene in the coop and nest is maintained. However, if you purchase eggs from outside breeders, a special dry disinfection using appropriate powder or gas can be useful to avoid introducing pathogens into your clean machine. Never use liquid solutions that could soak into the shell. For most hobby breeders, selecting visually flawless eggs and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the incubator itself before each new cycle is completely sufficient.

How long does incubation take for chicken eggs?

Incubation for chicken eggs takes 21 days. Until the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs lie in the turning trays and are automatically turned. After that, you stop turning, place the eggs into the hatching basket, and increase the humidity. Hatching may shift by 1–2 days due to temperature fluctuations.

What temperature and humidity do I need for incubation?

For chicken eggs, the standard is 37.7 °C, as stable as possible. Humidity during pre-incubation (until day 18) is around 45–55%. In the final 2–3 days before hatching, increase humidity to 65–75% and slightly lower the temperature by about 0.2–0.5 °C. On Cimuka CT and HB models, you simply set your desired value, and Humisonic™ regulates the rest.

How do I properly increase humidity for the hatching phase?

As soon as the last 2 to 3 days before hatching arrive, you must increase humidity so that the egg membrane remains pliable. On the CT and HB series, this is particularly easy: you simply change the target value on the digital controller to the desired percentage (e.g., 70%). The Humisonic™ system executes this command immediately and automatically atomizes the required amount of water.

With the PD series, you need to take action yourself: fill the second (and if necessary, additional) channel of the water tray completely with water, in addition to the first channel. Since the PD series regulates humidity via the water surface area, filling the additional channel creates the necessary rise. For all models, check the display shortly after adjusting settings to ensure the values increase as desired, giving your chicks optimal starting conditions.

How does automatic humidification (Humisonic™) work?

The Humisonic™ system uses advanced ultrasonic technology to transform water into an ultra-fine, cool mist. As soon as the sensors inside the machine detect that humidity has dropped below your set target value, the module activates automatically and directs this fine water vapor into the incubation chamber. The major advantage: because the mist is extremely fine, the moisture is absorbed into the air immediately without wetting the eggs. The system regulates so precisely that humidity remains constant throughout the entire incubation period, without requiring manual water refills or valve adjustments (as long as the external water tank is filled).

Should I still fill water into the water tray even if I am using the Humisonic™ system?

Yes, this is highly recommended. Filling the first channel of the water tray with water creates a baseline humidity inside the incubator. This offers two major benefits: First, the Humisonic™ system needs to activate less frequently, saving energy and extending the lifespan of the ultrasonic membrane. Second, the water in the tray acts as a safety buffer. Should the external water tank ever run empty or the automatic system fail, the water reserve in the tray prevents humidity from dropping suddenly and jeopardizing the hatch. It is a simple yet effective method to make the incubation process even more stable and secure.

What kind of water should I use for the Humisonic™ system?

Use distilled or lime-free, filtered water. Tap water quickly leads to limescale buildup on the ultrasonic membrane and can permanently damage the module. Additionally, we recommend filling the first channel of the water tray with water: this provides baseline moisture and serves as a safety buffer if the water tank ever runs dry.

When is the right time to stop turning and transfer the eggs?

The transition from pre-incubation to the hatching phase for chicken eggs normally takes place at the end of the 18th day of incubation. At this point, you must stop the automatic turning system (Conturn™) and carefully transfer the eggs from the turning trays into the hatching basket (at the bottom of the machine). From this moment on, the eggs must no longer be moved, allowing the chick to maneuver into the final hatching position inside the egg.

Simultaneously with the transfer, you should increase the humidity as recommended and slightly reduce the temperature. A small professional tip: open the machine as rarely as possible during the last 2 to 3 days so that the warm, moist "hatching climate" does not escape, as every opening can dry out the egg membrane and make hatching more difficult.

What do I need for incubation besides the incubator?

Useful accessories include an egg candling lamp, such as the Cimuka ES1, to illuminate (candle) the eggs on day 7 to 8 of incubation and sort out unfertilized eggs, distilled water for humidification, and hatching baskets depending on the model. After hatching, you will need a chick brooder box, such as the CB25 or CB40 chick brooder boxes. Incubation and brooder sets can also be found in our shop.

How long do chicks stay in the incubator after hatching?

Leave the chicks in the incubator for about 24 hours, at most 48 hours, until they are dry and fluffy. During this time, they feed off their yolk sac and require neither food nor water. Keep the machine closed so that humidity remains stable for chicks that have not yet hatched. Afterward, transfer the chicks to the brooder box.

How do I clean the incubator after hatching?

First, disconnect the power plug. Then remove eggshells and down feathers. Clean the water trays and hatching baskets with warm water and a mild detergent. Wipe down the housing and technical components with a damp cloth only, ensuring that no water enters the motors or electronics. The sensor at the top of the interior must not be rinsed or sprayed directly with water; wipe it carefully using only a slightly damp cloth.

Additionally, clean the fan after every 2–3 hatches: open the maintenance door on the back, loosen the 4 screws with a screwdriver, and wipe the internal fan clean with a damp cloth. Disinfect the machine afterward and let it dry completely with the door open for at least 24 hours before reassembling everything and turning the device back on.

How does automatic egg turning work across different models?

Automatic egg turning is crucial to prevent the embryo from sticking to the eggshell. Depending on the model, your machine utilizes different systems for this: The HB series is equipped with the TurnX™ system, which gently tilts the entire trays at a 45° angle. Other models use the Conturn™ system, which moves the eggs within individual channels. Both systems operate fully automatically and continuously. This rhythm is maintained until the end of the 18th day of incubation (for chickens). Only then, with the start of the hatching phase, must you stop the turning process and place the eggs horizontally into the hatching basket so the chick can position itself correctly for hatching.

Can I turn the eggs manually?

Yes, manual positioning is possible, but operation varies by model:

• HB Series (TurnX™): These models feature a physical turning button directly on the motor adapter. This is used to drive the trays into a horizontal (flat) position for inserting or removing eggs.
• CT Series (Conturn™): There is no separate button on the housing for this model.

Important Safety Note: Never attempt to force trays or rollers to rotate by hand, nor try to lift trays out of the machine while severely tilted. Doing so can immediately damage the sensitive gearboxes of the turning motors. Always use the electronic controls or the turning button to achieve the desired position.

Question: How can I tell if the sensors are working correctly?
Answer: The digital sensors calibrate automatically at startup. For additional safety, you can place a certified control thermometer at egg height. If the display consistently deviates by more than 0.2 °C, the menu under “Calibration” allows for fine adjustment.

Question: What should I do in the event of a power outage?
Answer: Thanks to the high insulation of the HB and CT series, heat is retained for a long time.
For short outages (up to 2 hours), keep the machine strictly closed.
For longer outages, you may insulate the housing with a blanket, ensuring that the ventilation holes remain minimally open.
Once power returns, the machine automatically restores all values; simply check the water level and turning system afterward.

Question: Why does an alarm sound and how should I react?
Answer: The alarm is triggered when temperature or humidity exceed or fall below the set limits.
Check the display to see which value is flashing.
Common causes include an empty water tank or a door left open too long.
Once the values return to normal, the alarm stops automatically; you can mute the beeping by pressing any button.

Question: Can I adjust the alarm thresholds myself?
Answer: Yes. In the settings menu, you can define at which deviation (e.g., ±0.5 °C or ±5% humidity) the device should warn you.
This gives you the necessary safety margin to intervene before the incubation is harmed.

Question: Do I need to adjust the ventilation manually?
Answer: No. The high‑performance fans operate fully automatically and ensure even air circulation.
Just make sure the external air vents are not blocked by objects or walls so fresh oxygen can enter at all times.

Question: May I open the machine during hatching?
Answer:

During the incubation period: Yes, opening the door is generally harmless. The machine quickly restores temperature and humidity after closing, similar to how a broody hen occasionally leaves the nest.

During the hatching phase (from day 18 onward): Avoid opening the door entirely.
When chicks begin pipping, a stable microclimate — especially high humidity — is vital. Opening the machine can dry out the membrane and trap the chicks inside the egg.

Question: How can I identify infertile eggs?
Answer: After about 5–7 days, you can candle the eggs with a candling lamp.
Infertile eggs remain completely bright (like a fresh table egg).
Fertile eggs show a clear “spiderweb” of blood vessels and a dark embryo spot.
Our ES1 candling lamp is ideal for this.

Question: What happens if the power goes out?
Answer: The insulated housings keep the temperature stable for 6–7 hours if the lid/door remains closed.
Embryos are relatively resilient to short‑term temperature drops.
If power outages occur frequently, using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a 12 V battery is recommended.

Question: Why does an alarm sound?
Answer: The alarm warns you acoustically when temperature or humidity leave the safety range (e.g., due to an open door or an empty water tank).
Check the display immediately and correct the cause; the beeping can be muted by pressing any button.

Question: When does the hatching phase begin?
Answer: For chicken eggs, the hatching phase begins on day 18 of incubation. At this point, the eggs are no longer turned and are placed onto the hatching trays so the chicks can position themselves correctly for pipping.

Question: How do I prepare the machine for hatching?
Answer: Stop the turning system by unplugging the turning motor.
Place the eggs flat in the hatching baskets.
Increase humidity to 65–75% so the inner membrane stays soft and the chicks can hatch more easily.

Question: Why must the door not be opened during hatching?
Answer: Opening the door immediately destroys the warm, humid “hatching climate.”
The membrane can dry out and become tough like leather, causing it to stick to the chick.
If this happens, the chick cannot rotate inside the egg to break the shell.

Question: How long should the chicks remain in the device after hatching?
Answer: Chicks should remain in the incubator for about 24 hours after hatching, until they are fully dry and fluffy.
During this time, they still absorb nutrients from the yolk sac and do not need food or water.

Question: What should I do with eggs that do not hatch on time?
Answer: Be patient. Hatching can be delayed by 1–2 days due to temperature variations.
Keep the machine closed until all viable chicks have hatched and dried.

Question: How do I clean the machine after hatching?
Answer: First remove all eggshells and down feathers. Wipe the interior and the hatching trays with a damp cloth and a mild disinfectant. Make sure no water enters the motors or the control electronics.

Question: Why is cleaning so important?
Answer: During hatching, blood residues, egg protein and down create ideal conditions for bacteria. Thorough cleaning prevents pathogens from being carried over to the next incubation cycle, which could drastically reduce hatch rates.

Question: How do I clean the Humisonic™ system or the water trays?
Answer: Empty all remaining water completely. Limescale deposits can be removed carefully with a mild vinegar solution. Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water afterward to ensure no chemical residues affect the next incubation.

Question: Does the machine need to dry after cleaning?
Answer: Yes. Leave the machine open for at least 24 hours after cleaning so it can dry completely. This prevents mold from forming in hard‑to‑reach areas or within the seals.

Question: What should I check before starting the next incubation?
Answer: Before inserting new eggs, reconnect the turning motor and perform a short test run.
Let the machine operate for at least 24 hours to ensure that temperature and humidity are once again regulated stably.

Question: Why do some chicks hatch too early or too late?
Answer: The incubation duration is primarily influenced by temperature.
Consistently high temperatures lead to early hatching, while temperatures that are too low delay development and cause late hatching.

Question: Why is the hatch rate low even though the eggs were fertile?
Answer: A low hatch rate despite fertility can have several causes:

• fluctuating temperatures during incubation
• incorrect humidity (too dry or too moist)
• improper or prolonged storage of hatching eggs beforehand
• poor health or nutrition of the parent stock

Question: Why do some chicks die inside the egg?
Answer:

• If fully developed chicks fail to hatch, the cause is often incorrect humidity during the hatching phase, which makes the membrane too tough.
• If embryos die earlier, common causes include insufficient turning, poor ventilation (oxygen deficiency), or infections due to inadequate hygiene.

Question: How can I prevent limescale buildup in the humidifier?
Answer: Use clean, low‑lime water (or distilled water) for the Humisonic™ system or the water trays.
For models with a humidifier disc, clean or replace the disc regularly to maintain full evaporation performance.

Question: How do I check the internal temperature?
Answer: Press the T button once. The display will show the set target value (tset) for 2 seconds.

Question: How can I see the target humidity value?
Answer: Press the H button once. The display will show the set humidity value (hset) for 2 seconds.

Question: How do I set the temperature?
Answer: Hold the T button for 2 seconds. The value will start blinking, and you can adjust it using the arrow keys.

Question: How do I set the humidity?
Answer: Hold the H button for 2 seconds. The value will start blinking, and you can adjust it using the arrow keys.

Question: How do I switch the light on or off?
Answer: Press the lower arrow key. If not switched off manually, the light will turn off automatically after 3 minutes.

Question: Can I lock the display?
Answer: Yes. Hold the H button and the lower arrow key simultaneously for 3 seconds. The display will show “loc on/off”.

Question: How can I mute the alarm?
Answer: Press the upper arrow key for 3 seconds. The alarm will be muted for 15 minutes.

Question: Can I view the room temperature and humidity?
Answer: Yes. Press the lower arrow key to display the readings from the second sensor (room temperature and humidity).

Question: Why does an acoustic alarm sound?
Answer: The alarm is triggered when the temperature or humidity deviates from the set target values. This serves as a safety feature so you can intervene in time before the incubation is affected.

Question: How can I temporarily mute the alarm?
Answer: Press the upper arrow key for 3 seconds. This deactivates the acoustic alarm for 15 minutes, giving you time to correct the cause (e.g., refill water or close the door).

Question: How do I access the user menu for alarm settings?
Answer: Hold the T and H buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
Use the T button to move to the next parameter, and use the arrow keys to adjust the values.
To save, hold T and H again for 3 seconds.

Question: When is the high humidity alarm (hhi) triggered?
Answer: The hhi alarm is triggered by default when humidity exceeds the target value by +10%.
It activates after a delay of 20 minutes and is indicated by the display code Alr 5 along with a continuous acoustic alarm.

Question: What does the setting “hlo” mean in the menu?
Answer: hlo stands for the low humidity alarm.
It is triggered when humidity falls –10% below the target value.
The display shows Alr 6, and the acoustic alarm sounds intermittently.

Question: How are the temperature alarms (thi and tlo) configured?
Answer:

• The high temperature alarm (thi) activates at a deviation of +0.8 °C above the target value (display code Alr 1, continuous alarm).
• The low temperature alarm (tlo) activates at a deviation of –2.0 °C after a delay of 30 minutes (display code Alr 2, intermittent alarm).

Question: What do the parameters tco and hco mean?
Answer: These are the calibration values for temperature (tco) and humidity (hco).
⚠️ Warning: These are extremely critical parameters. Incorrect adjustments can reduce hatch rates and may lead to embryo loss.

Question: Can I connect a second sensor for room monitoring?
Answer: Yes. Under the parameter uS2, you can select whether a second sensor (th) or an IoT module (iot) is connected.
If “th” is selected, you can set your own alarm limits for room temperature (rtl / rth) and room humidity (rhl / rhh).

Question: How do I activate the alarms for the second sensor?
Answer: Use the parameters rAt for the room‑temperature alarm and rAh for the room‑humidity alarm.
Set them to “On” to activate monitoring or to “Off” to deactivate it.

Q: How do I activate periodic cooling?
A: Press the U and D buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to open the menu.
Set the parameter cIF to “On”.

Q: What does time‑controlled cooling (CLT) mean?
A: Heating and humidification are switched off for the set duration.

Q: What does temperature‑controlled cooling (CLS) mean?
A: Heating and humidification remain switched off until the values drop to the defined target levels.

Q: Can I set cooling intervals?
A: Yes. With the parameter Cpr, you can set intervals of 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 48, or 72 hours.