Author Topic: cleaning an incubator (Read 2793 times)

bumpkins · « **on:** April 23, 2014, 09:15:32 am »

Hi
I've read so much conflicting advice about this that I'm wondering if someone here can help. I've just bought a new incubator, tested it for temperature etc and my hatching eggs are going to be arriving today. I know that I need to leave them for 24 hours to settle, so am going to get the incubator cleaned and prepared today. Can you tell me what is the safest way to clean it? I have things like bird cage sanitiser, poultry shield etc, but am worried about using chemicals of any sort. Someone else suggested a weak bleach solution. Can anyone advise me?
Thank you - Catherine

mentalmilly · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2014, 09:22:20 am »

I clean mine with a weak solution of bleach or milton (babies bottle stuff), take everything apart and give it a good going over. When l first had it i did not clean it just wiped it over because it had not had any chicks in so it was clean enough for me. I also run it for an hour after cleaning with milton water in the bottom so the humidity gets everywhere. Good luck.

Steph Hen · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2014, 09:24:19 am »

I may be told off by more knowledgeable people, but I just use kitchen spray and warm soapy water to thoroughly wash and then rinse.
I used to put kitchen pepper under the eggs three days before hatching to facilitate cleaning, but worry that this might alter humidity as it relies on evaporation from trays underneath the eggs.

NicandChic · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2014, 09:26:17 am »

I use Hibiscrub for washing most stuff.

Good luck with your hatch

jaykay · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2014, 09:29:13 am »

I also use Milton's as it's easily available and I reckon if you can do babies' bottles with it, it can't be too dreadful.

chrismahon · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2014, 10:03:46 am »

We use an egg sanitizer solution for both the incubator and the surface of the eggs (Chicktec and Brinsea). Not that many places sell it though and usually at a silly price. Milton's sounds like a good idea and it should be safe on the eggs as long as the solution is warmer than the egg.