Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: What is an incubator?
Answer: An incubator imitates the natural brooding conditions of a hen. It controls temperature, humidity, ventilation, and the regular turning of the eggs.
For more information: Our incubator range at a glance.

Question: What is the difference between an incubator and a hatcher?
Answer: The models of the SH series and C series are versatile combination units that cover both incubation and hatching in one machine. They allow you to manage the entire incubation period, but can also be used as dedicated hatchers when equipped with additional hatching baskets.
In contrast, the S series consists of pure incubation machines, designed exclusively for the first phase of embryo development.
The H models, on the other hand, are dedicated hatchers used specifically during the last three days of incubation to provide the ideal environment for the actual hatching process.
For more information: Our incubator range at a glance.

Question: What advantages does an incubator have over a broody hen?
Answer: Using an incubator allows you to breed completely independently of seasons or the natural brooding behavior of your birds. Because the conditions inside the machine remain stable and precisely controlled, fluctuations that occur during natural brooding are effectively avoided.
Our machines achieve an excellent average hatch rate of around 95–97%, provided that egg quality and environmental conditions are optimal. This controlled environment creates the best possible conditions for a successful and predictable hatch.

Question: Which machine is suitable for the number of eggs I plan to incubate?
Answer: Our product range offers the right solution for every need:
The PD series is ideal for beginners, with a capacity of up to 60 eggs.
The CT series is aimed at ambitious breeders and includes the SH, S, and H types with capacities ranging from 60 to 180 chicken eggs.
For larger breeding projects, the HB series covers the C, S, and H types with capacities from 175 up to 700 eggs.
For professional use, we also offer commercial machines with capacities from 960 up to 4,800 chicken eggs, allowing you to choose between compact hobby units and powerful professional systems.
For more information: Our incubator range at a glance.

Question: What capacity does the machine offer for my type of eggs?
Answer: The stated capacity of our machines is based on chicken eggs to give you a clear reference point. The actual number of eggs varies depending on the species:
Smaller eggs, such as quail eggs, significantly increase the capacity, while larger eggs, such as duck or goose eggs, reduce it accordingly.
The PD series holds up to 60 chicken eggs, the CT series between 60 and 180, and the HB series covers the range from 175 to 700 chicken eggs.
For industrial use, we also offer commercial machines with capacities of up to 4,800 chicken eggs.
For more information: Our incubator range at a glance.

Question: What should I pay special attention to when unpacking the machine parts?
Answer: Carefully remove all packaging materials and visually inspect all parts. Pay particular attention to the housing panels and technical components to check for any transport damage before putting the device into operation.

Question: Where should I place my incubator?
Answer: To ensure consistent performance and high hatch rates, the machine should be placed in an enclosed room with a stable ambient temperature of at least 15 °C. Please observe the following points for safe operation:

Safety & access: Place the device in a location inaccessible to small children and pets to avoid accidents or accidental parameter changes.

Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 50 cm from walls and furniture to allow unobstructed air circulation.

Sunlight: Never place the device in direct sunlight, as this can cause uncontrollable temperature fluctuations inside.

Room climate: Avoid balconies, damp basements, or areas with strong drafts.

Surface & power: The machine must stand on a stable, level surface and must be connected to a grounded power outlet.

By choosing a quiet, safe, and temperature‑stable location, you create the ideal foundation for successful embryo development.

Question: Which environment is unsuitable?
Answer: Avoid temperatures below 15 °C or above 30 °C, drafts, strong temperature fluctuations, and rooms with pets or children.

Question: Why should I not operate the machine on the same electrical circuit as large appliances?
Answer: To prevent malfunctions of the sensitive control system, the machine should not be connected to circuits that also power high‑consumption devices (such as large shredders or heat lamps). Voltage spikes or drops could interfere with precise temperature regulation.

Question: Does the incubator need to be cleaned before first use?
Answer: Yes, wipe the inside of the device with a mild cleaning agent. This removes dust or residues from transport.

Question: What should I consider when connecting the cables for the first time?
Answer: Ensure that all connections — especially the adapters for the Conturn™ turning system and the Humisonic™ humidification system — are firmly and correctly plugged into the control panel before connecting the power cable to the outlet.

Question: Does the machine need to be tested before loading the eggs?
Answer: Yes, it is essential to run the machine empty for 3–4 hours before loading the eggs. During this time, you can check whether temperature and humidity stabilize at the values you have set.

Question: Should the water tray be filled during preparation?
Answer: Yes, fill the first channel of the water tray during the preparation phase. Only then can the Humisonic™ system build up and stabilize the desired humidity during the test run.

For the CT and HB series, you hardly need to do anything: the integrated Humisonic™ system controls humidity fully automatically. Simply enter your desired value, and the machine takes care of the rest.

For the PD series, your own fine‑tuning is required. The machine shows you the exact humidity level inside, but it does not regulate it automatically. You control humidity manually:

Start the test run with the ventilation valves fully open.

If humidity is too low, fill the second channel of the water tray as well.

Monitor the values closely during the 3–4 hour test run and adjust the water level or valve positions until everything is perfectly set for your eggs.

Question: Why does the PD series display humidity but not regulate it automatically?
Answer: The PD series is designed to give breeders full transparency over the climate inside the incubator. Since regulation is passive — via the surface area of the water channels and the ventilation — the display serves as a control tool, allowing the breeder to adjust humidity manually by filling additional channels or adjusting the valves.

Question: How do the ventilation valves affect humidity?
Answer: The ventilation valves regulate air exchange. Wide‑open valves increase fresh air supply but may lower humidity. If you have difficulty stabilizing humidity, carefully balance the interaction between the water level in the channels and the valve positions during the test phase.

Question: Which eggs are suitable for incubation?
Answer: Only use clean, normally shaped, undamaged eggs without cracks or shell defects. Make sure the eggs are not older than 10 days, as hatch rates drop significantly afterward. Ideally, the eggs should have been stored at a temperature between 12 °C and 15 °C before setting.
Very important: Never wash or scrub dirty eggs with water, as this destroys the natural protective layer (cuticle) of the shell, allowing bacteria to enter and harming the embryo. Heavily soiled eggs should therefore be discarded.
Before placing the eggs into the machine, allow them to acclimate to room temperature for a few hours to avoid temperature shock.

Question: Should I place freshly collected eggs into the incubator immediately?
Answer: No, freshly collected eggs should not be placed into the warm machine right away. After collection, the eggs need a resting period of about 24 hours. Store them during this time in a cool place (ideally 12 °C to 15 °C) with the pointed end facing downward.
This resting period allows the internal structures — especially the chalazae and the air cell — to stabilize.
Before placing the eggs into the incubator, let them warm up slowly to room temperature for a few hours. This prevents condensation on the shell and protects the embryo from dangerous temperature shock.

Question: How do I place the eggs into the machine?
Answer: When placing the eggs into the Conturn™ turning trays, orientation is crucial:
The eggs must always be positioned pointed end down (the blunt end with the air cell facing upward).
Ensure the eggs sit firmly but are not squeezed, so the turning system can move them evenly.
If you are incubating eggs of different sizes, adjust the divider spacing in the trays beforehand so each egg has enough room to turn without touching neighboring eggs.
Incorrect placement — such as pointed end up — can cause the chick to position itself incorrectly inside the egg and prevent it from hatching on its own later.

Question: How can I tell if an egg is unsuitable for incubation?
Answer: In addition to cracks and heavy dirt, pay attention to shape and shell quality.
Eggs that are extremely round, very elongated, or deformed often lead to developmental problems.
Eggs with very thin shells or chalky deposits (“pimples”) should also be discarded, as they interfere with gas exchange and moisture regulation.
A quick test with a candling lamp before setting helps detect fine hairline cracks that are invisible to the naked eye but may cause the egg to burst or allow bacteria to enter during incubation.
Our ES1 egg candler is perfect for this.

Question: Should I disinfect the eggs before placing them in the incubator?

Question: What temperature is optimal for successful incubation?
Answer: The standard setting for most poultry species, such as chickens, is 37.7 °C. It is extremely important that this temperature remains as stable as possible throughout the entire incubation phase, as deviations of even one degree can jeopardize the outcome.
Temperatures that are too high accelerate development unnaturally and may cause deformities or embryo death, while temperatures that are too low delay hatching and weaken the chicks.
Only during the final 2–3 days before hatching (the so‑called hatching phase) is the temperature usually lowered slightly by about 0.2 °C to 0.5 °C, because the chicks generate additional heat through their own activity inside the egg.

Question: What should the humidity level be?
Answer: Optimal humidity changes throughout the incubation process and is crucial for the proper development of the air cell.
During the incubation phase (for chickens up to day 18), humidity should be around 45% to 55%. This ensures controlled moisture loss and proper air cell growth.
Once the hatching phase begins (the last 2–3 days), humidity is increased significantly to 65% to 75% (higher for some breeds).
This high humidity is essential to keep the inner membrane soft and flexible.
If the environment is too dry at this stage, the membrane becomes tough like leather and the chick may stick to it (“shrink‑wrapping”), making hatching impossible.

Question: How do I correctly increase humidity for the hatching phase?
Answer: When the final 2–3 days before hatching begin, you must raise the humidity to keep the membrane soft.

• In the CT and HB series, this is very easy: simply adjust the target value on the digital controller (e.g., to 70%). The Humisonic™ system immediately produces the required mist automatically.
• In the PD series, you must increase humidity manually: fill the second (and if needed additional) water channels completely. Since the PD series regulates humidity via water surface area, the extra channel raises humidity effectively.

After adjusting, check the display to ensure the values rise as expected so your chicks have optimal conditions.

Question: How does the automatic humidification (Humisonic™) work?
Answer: The Humisonic™ system uses modern ultrasonic technology to turn water into an ultra‑fine, cool mist.
When the sensors detect that humidity drops below your target value, the module activates automatically and releases the mist into the incubation chamber.
Because the droplets are extremely fine, the air absorbs them instantly without wetting the eggs.
The system regulates humidity so precisely that it remains stable throughout the entire incubation period — without manual refilling or valve adjustments (as long as the external water tank is filled).

Question: Should I still add water to the water tray even when using the Humisonic™ system?
Answer: Yes, this is highly recommended. Filling the first water channel creates a base humidity level. This has two major advantages:

1. The Humisonic™ system needs to activate less often, saving energy and extending membrane life.
2. The water tray acts as a safety buffer. If the external tank runs empty or the system fails, the reserve water prevents a sudden humidity drop that could endanger the embryos.

It’s a simple but very effective way to make the incubation process more stable and secure.

Question: What type of water should I use for the Humisonic™ system?
Answer: To extend the lifespan of the ultrasonic module, it is strongly recommended to use distilled water or lime‑free filtered water.
Because the system nebulizes water using high‑frequency vibrations, normal tap water quickly causes limescale buildup on the membrane.
These deposits reduce performance and can permanently damage the module.
With distilled water, the system stays clean, the nozzles remain clear, and humidity regulation stays precise throughout the entire incubation period.
If you must use tap water, clean the module thoroughly after each incubation cycle.

Question: When should I stop turning the eggs and move them for hatching?
Answer: The transition from incubation to hatching for chicken eggs normally occurs at the end of day 18.
At this point, stop the automatic turning system (Conturn™) and gently transfer the eggs from the turning trays into the hatching basket at the bottom of the machine.
From this moment on, the eggs must not be moved so the chick can position itself correctly for hatching.
At the same time, increase humidity as recommended and slightly reduce the temperature.

Pro tip:
Open the machine as little as possible during the last 2–3 days. Every opening releases warm, moist air, which can dry out the membrane and make hatching difficult.

Question: How long should the chicks remain in the incubator after hatching?
Answer: Once the first chicks hatch, they should remain in the incubator for 24 to a maximum of 48 hours.
During this time, they still absorb nutrients from the yolk sac and do not need food or water.
It is essential that the chicks dry completely and become fluffy before being moved to the brooder.

Important:
Keep the machine closed during this phase. Opening it causes humidity to drop suddenly, which can dry out the membranes of chicks that have not yet hatched, trapping them inside the egg.
Once most chicks are dry and active, remove them all together.

Question: How do I clean and disinfect the machine properly after hatching?
Answer: After all chicks have been removed, thorough cleaning is essential for the next incubation cycle.
Remove all shell fragments, down feathers, and debris.
Plastic parts such as water trays and hatching baskets can be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent.
Wipe the housing and technical components (careful around electronics and fans) with a damp cloth.
Because bacteria can develop during the warm, humid incubation phase, disinfect the entire machine with a suitable, material‑friendly disinfectant.
Let the machine air‑dry completely for at least 24 hours with the lid open before preparing it for the next cycle or storing it.

Question: How does automatic turning work in the different models?
Answer: Automatic turning prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell. Depending on the model, your machine uses different systems:

• The HB series uses the TurnX™ system, where the entire tray set tilts gently at a 45° angle.
• Other models use the Conturn™ system, which moves the eggs within the channels.

Both systems operate fully automatically and continuously until the end of day 18 (for chickens).
Only then, at the start of the hatching phase, must you stop turning and place the eggs horizontally in the hatching basket.

Question: Can I turn the eggs manually?
Answer: Yes, manual positioning is possible, but the procedure differs by model:

• HB series (TurnX™):
  These models have a physical turning button on the motor adapter. Use it to move the trays into a horizontal position for loading or unloading eggs.
• CT series (Conturn™):

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.