Nurture Right 360™ Incubator Instructions
Cautions
- Thoroughly clean the incubator after each use.
- Fully open the grey air vent and plug the incubator into power to run dry (with no added water) for 24 hours to ensure it is thoroughly dry before storage.
1) Digital Control Function
The digital control panel features:
- Heater indicator: Blinks during operation.
- Days-to-hatch display: Press the MENU button to display remaining days to hatch (format "d-# #").
- Egg turning indicator: Shows if the auto-turner is ON or OFF (stops 3 days prior to hatch).
- Egg candling button: Press to use the built-in candler; it auto-off after 5 minutes.
- MENU/OK button: Used for navigation and confirmation.
- +/- buttons: Used for adjusting settings.
Control Functions Summary:
| Function | How to Operate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Display days to hatch | Press MENU | The screen will display "d-# #", referring to the remaining days to hatch. |
| Egg candling | Press CANDLE button | The lamp will automatically turn off after 5 minutes. |
| Egg turning test | Press MENU + + | Test the egg turner several times after inserting eggs to ensure smooth turning. |
| Temp. & hatch days adjustments | Press and hold MENU for 3 seconds | Refer to the "Adjusting Temperature and Hatch Days" section. |
| Reset factory setting | Press and hold MENU for 5 seconds | Resets the incubator to factory settings. |
2) Choosing the Right Location for Your Incubator
The incubation room environment significantly impacts hatch rate. The incubator requires a stable room temperature between 74°F and 80°F. Ensure the temperature does not drop below 72°F, especially at night. Avoid placing the incubator near windows to prevent direct sunlight and drafts. Do not place the incubator on the floor, as insufficient fresh air is available close to the ground due to CO2 concentration.
3) Assembling the Incubator
- Place the egg tray onto the base, ensuring it sits flat and level.
- Fit the egg turner onto the "D-shaped" shaft of the turner motor located in the center of the incubator base.
- Plug the egg turner cord (from the base) into the socket on the back of the incubator top. Connect the power supply unit to the incubator top.
- Place the top onto the incubator base, ensuring the clear window is completely closed. Align the two notches on the bottom of the clear window with the two sockets on the base. Ensure the notches align completely with the sockets.
4) Adjusting Temperature and Hatch Days
The incubator is factory pre-set to 99.5°F and 21 hatch days for chicken eggs. Upon plugging in, the timer begins a 21-day countdown, and the temperature gradually increases to 99.5°F. The heater indicator light will blink during this warm-up period, which is normal.
To change the temperature: Press and hold the "MENU" button for 3 seconds. The pre-set "99.5"°F will blink. Use the "+" or "-" buttons to adjust. Press "MENU" again to enter hatch days setting mode, where "d - 21" will blink. Adjust hatch days using "+" and "-". Press "MENU" once more to exit settings.
During the initial warm-up, a "Low Temperature" alarm may trigger. This is normal. Press the "MENU" button once to disable the alarm.
5) Controlling Humidity
Humidity is adjusted by adding water to one or both water pots and via the air vent knob.
Day 1 until 3 days before hatch day:
Fill water pot "A" and open the grey air vent to halfway. Wait 2-3 hours for humidity to stabilize around 50% (48-55% acceptable) for most poultry.
Last 3 days before hatch day:
Remove the red plug from water pot "B" and add water to both water pots "A" and "B". Open the grey air vent fully. Wait 2-3 hours for humidity to stabilize around 70% (65-75% acceptable) for most poultry.
WARNING
- This incubator must only be used with the provided power supply unit.
- Place the incubator in an area out of the reach of animals.
- Do not use the incubator on the floor due to insufficient fresh air and CO2 concentration.
- This incubator is not a toy. Children should not play with it and must be supervised by an adult.
Important Note on Air Vent Usage
The air vent cannot be fully closed during use. For the first 18 days, the air vent should be set to 1/2 open. If humidity is below 48-55% with the 1/2 open setting, the vent can be further closed to increase humidity. However, the vent must remain at least 1/3 open for the first 18 days and fully open for the last 3 days to ensure adequate ventilation for the eggs.
Step 01: Water Pot Filling
For chicken eggs: Fill water pot "A" for days 1-18. Fill water pots "A" and "B" for days 19-21.
The red plug on water pot "B" prevents warm air leakage and should not be removed until 3 days prior to hatch day.
Pour water slowly and carefully to 2/3 or 3/4 of the water pot's height. Avoid spilling water into the other pot to prevent humidity spikes.
Inspect the water pot every 24 hours and refill as needed. Never let the incubator run without water.
Using warm distilled water (80-90°F) is recommended to reduce the impact of cold on the eggs.
After adding water, humidity may fluctuate. Allow 2-3 hours for stabilization before making further adjustments.
Step 02: Adjusting Air Vent
Adjust the grey air vent knob and wait for 2-3 hours for humidity to fully stabilize. Close the vent to increase humidity or open the vent to decrease humidity.
6) Inserting Eggs and Turning
Before setting eggs, run the incubator for 4-5 hours with warm water in pot "A". Warm stored eggs to room temperature (6-8 hours) before setting to minimize dew condensation.
Set eggs lying flat with their pointed ends facing inwards towards the center. Ensure a gap on the side of each egg for smooth rolling.
After setting eggs, conduct a turning test by pressing the "+" and "-" buttons simultaneously. Mark the sides of eggs with a pencil "X" for easier observation.
Replace the cover, ensuring the clear window is flush with the base and the notches align with the sockets to maintain the air seal. Misalignment can cause temperature fluctuations.
The timer begins its countdown immediately upon plugging in. After running the incubator without eggs to stabilize, reset the timer after inserting eggs for accuracy (press and hold "Menu" and "-" for 5 seconds). The incubator will reset to 21 days and restart the countdown.
7) Using the Built-In Egg Candler
Remove the lid and place it next to the incubator base, keeping the egg turner cord connected. Gently place the large end of an egg onto the candling zone. Press the candling button to observe the interior of the egg.
- Dimming room light makes observation easier.
- Avoid giving shocks or vibrations to the egg.
- Excessive shaking or turning during candling can cause stress to the egg.
- Candling should be completed within 8 minutes due to room temperature being lower than the incubator's.
- The "Low Temperature" alarm may trigger when the incubator is opened; press "MENU" once to disable it. The temperature will return to normal after closing the lid.
8) Preparing for Hatching
When the days-to-hatch countdown reaches 3 days prior, the egg turner will automatically stop turning (indicator light OFF). This signals the time to remove the egg turner and increase humidity.
Open the incubator and gently lift the egg turner out of the motor shaft. Close the incubator. The egg turner must be removed 3 days prior to hatch to allow sufficient space for chicks to exit the shell, preventing them from getting stuck.
Remove the red plug from water pot "B", fill both water pots "A" and "B", and adjust the air vent knob to achieve approximately 70% humidity.
Avoid opening the lid frequently. Each opening causes humidity to drop significantly. Do not open more often than every 6 hours unless necessary. Chicks can be removed after 24 hours when fully dry and fluffed, or they can remain in the incubator for up to 2 days. Unhatched eggs can remain for up to 2 extra days (until the end of day 23).
9) Returning to Factory Setting
After the hatch is complete, the timer counts down to 0 days but does not reset automatically. To start a new countdown for a subsequent hatch, reset the timer after inserting new eggs.
To reset the incubator to factory settings (99.5°F and 21 hatch days): Press and hold both "Menu" and "-" buttons for over 5 seconds. The incubator will beep, and the display will blink once, indicating a successful reset. The timer will restart the countdown from 21 days.
10) Cleaning the Incubator
Disconnect the incubator from the main power supply before cleaning.
Wipe all internal surfaces with a disinfectant solution using a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a clean cloth. Ensure all electrical parts remain dry; do not immerse them.
After cleaning, plug the incubator into power and run it dry (no added water) for 24 hours to ensure it is thoroughly dry before storage.
11) Calibrating Temperature & Humidity
The built-in calibration function allows resetting temperature or humidity readings using an external thermometer or hygrometer. Recalibration is not recommended unless the incubator's readings are verified as incorrect by an external device.
