Contact Information:
Phillip J. Clauer
Senior Extension Associate
4-H Youth and Specialty Poultry
Department of Poultry Science
The Pennsylvania State University
Sanitation of Incubator and Equipment
After the hatch has been completed, the incubator box and tray should be brushed clean of all debris and dust. The cleaned surfaces should be wiped thoroughly with a cloth dampened in quaternary ammonium, chlorox, or other disinfectant. Follow the directions of the manufacturer carefully.
1. Clean the incubator immediately after using.
- Remove all loose shells and dry matter.
- Clean egg tray and water pans
- Soak in warm water with mild bleach or disinfectant, if necessary.
- Scrub off all adhering dirt with brush.
- Wipe plastic clean with soft cloth and glass cleaner.
- Clean bottom of incubator
- DO NOT use chemical cleaners. Some chemical cleaners will melt Styrofoam. Many plastic and foam bottoms will absorb the chemicals, which may kill the embryos in the future.
- Soak in a warm 25 percent bleach/water solution and wipe clean with a cloth.
- You can scrub most plastic bottoms with a brush.
- Cleaning the heating element and other electrical units.
- DO NOT touch or get the element wet.
- Brush wafers gently with a soft brush to remove the dust.
2. Store the incubator in a protective carton.
3. Store the incubator in a cool dry location.
4. Prevent excessive movement. Each time the incubator is moved, it increases the chance of the element or wafers being damaged.