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You will need the directions to the particular type and model you plan to use. The directions given here are for a basic incubator that is affordable for most hobbyists. Since there are different types of incubators, it's important to have the correct directions for your specific incubator. Be aware that the least inexpensive incubators will have only manual controls. This means that you will need to diligently monitor temperature, turning, and humidity many times a day. Pricier models have automatic controls for these processes, which require you to do a little less - though still daily - monitoring. If the incubator did not come with written instructions, look for the serial number on the incubator and the manufacturer's name. Check the manufacturer's website for directions or contact the company's customer service department by phone or email to obtain directions. Carefully wipe or vacuum off any visible dust or debris from all the surfaces of the incubator. Then wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth or sponge dipped in a diluted bleach solution (mix 20 drops of household bleach in 1 quart of water.) Use gloves to protect your hands from the bleach and wring the cloth or sponge out before wiping down the incubator. Allow the incubator to air dry thoroughly before plugging it in for use. This cleaning step is particularly necessary if you bought the incubator second-hand or if you had it stored away somewhere, collecting dust. Keep in mind that sanitation is highly important. Diseases can be transmitted through the eggshell to the developing embryo. Ideal room conditions are 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the incubator near a window, air vent, or any other area that experiences air flow or drafts. Make sure you don't plug the cord into an outlet where it could easily detach, or where children might be able to unplug it. Check as well that that particular outlet is working. Consult the directions for the incubator to confirm the correct amount of water to add. You must calibrate the incubator to ensure the temperate is correct and stable at least 24 hours prior to incubating any eggs. Make sure to adjust the incubator's thermometer so that it will measure the temperature around where the center of an egg will reach in the incubator. Adjust the heat source until the temperature reads between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 and 38.9 degrees Celsius). Getting the correct incubator temperature is very important. Low temperatures can keep the embryos from developing, while overly high temperatures can kill the embryos and cause abnormalities. The temperature should still be within the target range. Do not add eggs if the temperature has fluctuated outside of the target range as the eggs will not hatch properly. You will want to incubate the eggs within 7 to 10 days after they have been laid. Viability decreases as the eggs age. Don't attempt to incubate eggs you bought from a supermarket. The eggs sold in stores are infertile and will not hatch. Locate hatcheries or farmers in your area who sell eggs for hatching. You will need to get eggs that are produced by hens in a flock with a male bird, or else the eggs may not be fertile. Contact your local agricultural extension office if you have difficulty finding an egg source. The office may have recommendations for local poultry farmers. Consider how many eggs you want to incubate. Note that it is very rare for all of the incubated eggs to hatch and that certain species have higher viability than others. You should expect about 50-75% of the fertile eggs will hatch, although it possible that this could be higher. Store eggs in cartons at 40 to 70 degrees F (4.5 to 21.1 degrees C) until ready to incubate. Rotate the eggs daily by propping up different ends of the carton each day or carefully turning over the carton.
Find or purchase an incubator. Clean the incubator. Place the incubator in an area with little to no temperature fluctuation. Plug the incubator's cord into an electric outlet. Add warm water to the incubator's humidity pan. Calibrate the incubator's temperature. Wait 24 hours to re-check the temperature again. Obtain fertile eggs for hatching.