Improving Your Hatch Rate - Part 5: Sanitizing Your Incubator

It is important to make sure to clean and sanitize your incubator between hatches to avoid bacterial issues that can impact your hatch rate. In this video I show the simple steps I take to make sure my incubator is cleaned and sanitized after each hatch.
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[@heidibarbrick9121]

Just hatched my very first batch, but had so much anxiety and doubt, and made so many mistakes! Out of 24 I got a bakers dozen, but lost one last night and have a splayed leg fella that I fear I'll lose. I'm so happy to find these excellent videos. My next hatch is this weekend, and I feel so much more confident after watching them! Thank you so much!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That isn't terrible for a first hatch. I am sure you will do much better on the next one. Hang in there.

[@noed.martinez9358]

Hey Chris. Noah here from Waller, Tx. I came across one of your Storing and hatching eggs video and ended up watching, and adding to my playlist, the 5 video series. I gotta say THANK YOU cause your videos answered alot of my questions as well as teaching me new things. Your videos also pointed out the mistakes i made. Here is my hatchling report: out of 48 eggs, 25 hatched and still alive. ☺ 23 did not hatch, of which 17 were not fertile. I know this because i called a buddy who raises chickens to come help and he told me of the unfertilized eggs. 🙁 Still was loads of fun hatching these eggs. Can't wait to do it again. Thank you for the great info. You get a big thumbs up from me. BTW i subscibed to your channel. Keep the videos coming.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much for the kind comments. I am so glad that you are finding my videos helpful.

[@charleshooks6644]

This series has been invaluable as I get set for my 1st hatch. Thanks

[@shebarodriguez7314]

I always use the shelf paper that has little square holes you can get in rolls at the dollar store. It keep must the egg shells and pop and nastiness from getting into the bottom of my incubator. You just pick up the shelf paper and throw them away. It usually keeps the grate clean as well. Then i use antibiotic soap to clean and I pay listerine to two parts water to spray everything down to sanitize. Let it air dry then your good to go

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Shelf paper is a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jeanettehaygood4154]

Slightly Rednecked vinyl, removable shelf liner, not contact paper. It is washable in the washing machine too! It breathes because it’s full of holes, and you set it on top of the grate to help keep it and the styrofoam clean. It’s perfect for chicks because it provides traction for their feet.

[@tullyriverquail]

We usually will sanitize with a 50/50 mix of regular (non flavoured) Listerne for an initial wipe down after cleaning. We mist everything and let that set wet for 15-30 mins. Then we do the same process with a 50/50 white vinegar solution, prior to a final mist rinse wipe down with water. Anytime we sterilize anything with bleach, we always make sure to rinse, then do the vinegar trick before the final rinse as we want the last thing that touches the surface to be a natural, non toxic product. For metal lined incubators such as our DIY dishwasher mod, we used a product called CLR to remove any hard water deposits or scale that may form on the floor, while making sure that it is 100% completely removed (hosed out) after used... an annual deep clean we do at the end of chick season or in the fall. If you've ever had an egg break inside your incubator either due to mechanical trauma from your turning mechanism, you need to make 100% sure all the organic material has been removed from your trays... which may require soaking. Another good thing to do every 6 months or so is to check your temp using 3 different temp guages. The sending units (thermostat, sensor) can become less accurate over time so you want to ensure your reading the temp's correctly. Recalibrate as needed. Check in multiple locations to determine hot/cool spots. Stay Free TullyRiverQuail Member USQC/ USQuail Cooperative USQuailCoop

[@Thunderdomehomestead]

When I remove the eggs from the turners, I used the blue paper shop towels under the eggs so all the gunk and chunks of shell stick to that rather than the incubator. Cleanup is way easier. It also reduces the chance of splay leg.

[@Icluckingloveit]

This is such a good tip, someone else had mentioned this to me. I currently have 2 incubators going with my first ever hatch. So I'll be using the blue paper towel tip. Thank you!

[@ryanwalsh3146]

I've seen people use those puppy pads on top of the grates during lockdown. Seems to help cut back the mess. Better footing for the chicks too

[@janninegannon5962]

Thanks for all you very informative videos. You have helped me answer many questions I could not find the answers to on the net. I always try to "like" your videos and have shared some on Facebook. Keep them coming, I am addicted. LOL. God bless.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much for the kind comments. I am so glad you find my videos helpful.

[@jamesjohnson4446]

thanks for the video I went from 10% to 85%

[@Slightlyrednecked]

awesome. So glad to hear about your success. Well done.

[@justincash6037]

Awesome Videos. I use Apple Cider Vinegar in a sprayer to disinfect my Parrot cages and water dishes It’s non toxic to animals and keeps the water dishes from becoming slimy People that keep pigeons use it to disinfect the coops I Don’t know about egg stuff, however?. But I know that bleach is a last resort for any cleaning. Our family uses ACV around the house to disinfect the bathroom and kitchen. Cuts grease too.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I don't see why ACV wouldn't work on your incubator.

[@suebl4037]

just watched you clean the incubator you did a good job, but it might be a bit easier if you use a cleaning brush or soft toothbrush to get the stubborn spots. I also suggest adding a bit of baking soda to soap at the beginning it really gives soap a boost, especially when given a bit of time on the product to be washed. I add it to my dishwater and to my laundry. Baking soda makes a big difference. Thanks for your helpful videos!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a great suggestion. Thank you.

[@2Langdon]

Really helpful series, great stuff, thanks very much for putting all this up.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you for watching. I am glad you found it helpful.

[@pamelabratton2501]

Green and yucky stuff..."Products of conception"! It is gross stuff. I just did my first hatch at ~50% hatch rate...then I found your site! Will start again tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

[@nanaszu]

Getting ready to set my first batch of eggs tomorrow.Been doing the listerine spray on them. Also have shelf liner under the egg turner,and a heating pad under the incubator. Borrowed ideas from a bunch of youtube creators. Wish me luck!

[@jimyoung7511]

Like your Videos you’ve answered a lot of questions Thanks again and God Bless you

[@tulipsmoran5197]

thanks Chris a very informative series

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks for watching. I am glad you found it helpful.

[@123shfsn5]

Awesome video series

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much.

[@babsoneverything3060]

Use a soft brush for cleaning, Chris. Gets in to those nooks and crannies better. ;)

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good suggestion. Thanks

[@rakanrrec9036]

Hi my friend my advice to you , don't use hand brush because it will damage the styrofoam of your incubator. The best thing is to put plastic cover on top of it and then add water on top of the plastic. That way, any dropping fall down from the plastic net will not reach the body of your incubator (styrofoam) so after you finish hatching you only throw the plastic bag and your styrofoam will remain clean .

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That isn't a bad idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@singleman1986]

Great tips. Taught an old dog some good tricks. A couple of, (what I hope come across as constructive), tips.....I'm a big fan of the ''Little Giants' as well. But, I don't like to open mine at any time prior to removing the turner. So....When I first get one, I use a razor sharp blade to cut a narrow channel between all of the 'sumps' in the bottom. Then I drill a hole in the lid so I can poke a piece of small plastic tubing in that reaches the bottom in a corner so I can add water. Next I drill a smaller hole in the side of the bottom just high enough so that I can't add too much water and wet the bottom of the eggs. Also, discarding those factory supplied 'vent plugs' isn't a good idea. The designers did the research, and capitalism being what it is, the company wouldn't have gone to the expense of providing them if they weren't necessary. You may me shooting yourself in the foot with fluctuating humidity levels unnecessarily. I do hope this helps your 'work load'.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Those are good suggestions. I might do an updated video and include some of them at some point. Thanks for sharing.

[@portugeeprepper6821]

Thanks for sharing and for the tips

[@Slightlyrednecked]

thanks for watching. glad you like them.

[@th55269]

I saw a video of a guy painting the bottom to make it easier to clean and harder to damage but can’t seem to find that video. My old(very) incubator needs something like a paint or coating to keep from further damaging it. It definitely has to be a non volatile product due to styrofoam sometime violent reactive to paint/chemicals. Anyone please post like to that video I’m talking about would be appreciated, happy hatching.

[@rugerguy8190]

A friend of mine said to use a layer of cheesecloth, on top of the plastic grating, to be added at lockdown. He says it will keep most of the big stuff off the plastic and make it easier to clean. Do you see any problems with that? I think I will try it. Great viedos

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Sounds like a good idea to me. I have never tried it but don't see why it wouldn't work.

[@rugerguy8190]

I will let you know. I have a week or two to go. Thanks

[@123shfsn5]

I use hydrogen peroxide wipes. Works very well and is also not toxic.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@julienmaillet9447]

Thanks keep up the good work

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks for watching and I am glad you liked it.

[@tropicallivingoverseas5202]

I like to throw mine in the dishwasher and set it to "sanitize". Yes, it's the lazy way but it works well. I do a quick prewash and soak first.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

nothing wrong with that plan. I am guessing you aren't married though. Or at least your wife doesn't know about it. ;)

[@sandralaird5386]

I like to use white vinegar, bicarbonate soda on nasty marks. I don t like harsh chemicals

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@leviradford707]

sandra laird - I like your method, but I'd like to point out that white vinegar is a harsh chemical

[@astridlei9626]

Hi there, I was wondering after you clean the incubator, we want to hatch another batch of eggs, can you do it right after its all cleaned? We plugged it back it in and now the humidity is to high!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Sure you can. The high humidity will level out pretty quickly. You may have to give it 24 hours before setting eggs but it won't take too long.

[@waltlars3687]

general dryed up crud cleans up a lot easyer after a soak I would fill it enough to get those stains wet for a couple hours then scrub it

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good suggestion. The problem is that Styrofoam is porous though. Most of that stuff is just stains. You can get it out but after you sanitize it who cares? Not worth the extra effort in my opinion but that is just my opinion.

[@waltlars3687]

Styrofoam yep hard to clean stains

[@Goldi-Luc]

Couldn't I line the bottom with plastic wrap or tin foil or something?

[@cindyskillman544]

White vinegar, scrub brush, old toothbrush? Just to make it easier (maybe) (hopefully).

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a great suggestion.

[@trevisaf]

Agreed. I hate bleach so I'm a big fan of white vinegar as a cleaning agent. Either way, super acidic or super alkaline should do the trick.

[@poochyface3696]

What would the ratio be if we were to spray the eggs with Listerine ?tank you for your great video and the comments are great also from the people. I've learned lots.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I use a mixture of half water and half Listerine on my eggs and it works very well.

[@noahsturgill20]

What about vinegar so you have less chemicals ? Yes no??

[@jessajets]

I line the bottom of my incubator with paper towels.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I bet that makes the clean up a little easier.

[@chloeeoneal3467]

I use antibacterial dish soap to clean my incubator and then follow up by spraying it out with peroxide. I would like to think you could also spray it with listerine afterword without harming the hatch rate since you spray your eggs with it anyways.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Sounds like a good practice. And yes you could spray it out with listerine.

[@wanhisham9717]

Can u show to us how to make ..homemade acubator...and suistable meterial..to use it...including..suistable bulb...in it..??

[@Slightlyrednecked]

If I ever make a homemade incubator I will show it for sure. Honestly though, it is easier and probably not much more expensive to just buy a pre-made incubator.

[@terrycampbell1361]

I scrub out (with old toothbrush like Ria) and soak in vinegar...

[@annasherwood1976]

Great video, Chris! Thank you! Is there is anything what not to use to clean incubator? Or what if its still smells like bleach, is it ok?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

if using bleach, rinse it well and air it out for a few hours and it should be fine. I would stay away from other cleaners. There are some things that would eat styrofoam.

[@markkilpatrick8501]

try using a hand brush small one. with dawn dish wash soap, Work very well. and if theirs no sun .which my dad sad was the best way, tryb using a hair dryer [ ON LOW HEAT ].

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good suggestions. Thanks

[@Mittzie]

A nipple brush for baby bottles will clean the vent holes out too and get into the creases around the edges easily.

[@DROY2004]

Use a pressure washer (lowest pressure 1300psi) to clean everything & hydrogen peroxide in spray bottle to sanitize with.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good suggestion. I don't have a pressure washer but just scrubbing it out works fine.

[@dougcarte9336]

I set them on a shop towel. It cuts down on the scrubbing. have you ever staged the hatches? I am hatching every friday in the same incubator. I am on hatch 9 this week. Thanks for all the help.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

thats a good suggestion. Thanks for sharing.

[@debrabarnett7511]

Tell me how you do a staged hatch one incubator with an egg turner? Give detail, as I would like to try it. Thanks.

[@johnliberty3647]

I am about to do my first cleaning, Wondering if using Neem oil as a disinfectant would work. Probably just do it the way you do it at first before I experiment.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I guess that would work. Seems like it would be pretty expensive to use for that though.

[@johnliberty3647]

it is expensive, I just happen to have a surplus of it.

[@poochyface3696]

How would you use neem oil to disinfect ?

[@trichard5106]

What does mom say about using her sink? Thanks !!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I don't have to answer for that myself. I always make sure to clean the sink out really well afterwards though.

[@Jeoxide]

Hi i don't know if it might work but people use vinegar to desinfect and clean some surface maybe it will work there too and maybe alcohol. what about like one of your videos mouthwash (original) will it work?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

you know, all of those things would work. I just find that bleach is cheaper. :) Good suggestions. thanks for sharing.

[@micheler3011]

Joey hydrogen peroxide may clean well also

[@909busa]

What do you think about sanitizing eggs and incubator with a 50/50 water / white vinegar vs your listerine/bleach method? I have my first eggs coming from JMF. I bought a used sportsman incubator needs cleaning I don't want to screw the hatch up.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I think that would work well for the incubator but not for the eggs. Vinegar is highly acidic and will dissolve the egg shells. Not all the way but still. if you don't have Listerine then just don't spray the eggs with anything and they will probably do well.

[@Goldi-Luc]

Listening is alchohol based, right? So could I use very diluted alcohol? (I've never tried anything before on chicken eggs. But I haven't done incubating in so many years.)

[@charrison3419]

hot soapy water then Lysol wipes and a cold water rinse works for me

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That sounds like a good process.

[@mirandabowden1736]

Hi! I have a question, I used mouthwash to clean out my incubator & I rinsed it out. However, I turned my incubator on, let it run for 12 hours, and I’m getting a strong smell of the mouthwash. Is that okay?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That shouldn't hurt anything at all. I wouldn't worry about it.

[@robertallen3133]

Does rabbits have a house to go in to ? If not do they need one ? When a rabbit stands up how tall are they ? Thank you . SU 26 MAR 17 20:16 EST

[@Slightlyrednecked]

check out my "how to build a wire cage video" It was my first video ever so I was a little long winded but I think it answers all of your questions. They don't need a house but they do need cover from wind and sun. I built a simple shed and hung my cages in it. Hope that helps. kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=BgSSy2lKuJk

[@micheler3011]

I have a new incubator, do you think I would need to clean it prior to incubating eggs?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

it is probably not necessary.

[@jonhunter8725]

What do you think about using starsan for sanitizing the incubator

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I don't see why that wouldn't work. As I understand, it is food grade.

[@micheler3011]

Can you not use bleach on the incubator? Think it would clean all those spots out.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

yup. Just rinse it well and let it air out before using it.

[@909busa]

Looks like you might have some luck with letting it soak overnight and then scrubbing it in the morning

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That isn't a bad idea. I don't stress too much about getting all the stains out but that would probably help.

[@nativeillyrian1595]

What are those green things? I have them in mine is it a sign of a rotten egg?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

It is just left over from hatching. It isn't anything bad.

[@thehipbeekatherine9520]

Poop

[@rayallen6200]

how do I remove hatched chicks that have dried when there are newly pipping chicks and some hatched chicks that are still wet

[@Slightlyrednecked]

wait for at least three days from the day the first one hatched to remove any of them. Pretty much all should have hatched and dried by then. If not then just remove the dry ones as quickly as you can and try not to keep the incubator open any longer than you have to. I hope that helps.

[@southendwoodshoplandscape6414]

Does anyone know how to clean the fan, heater, top lid?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I just wipe them down with a clean cloth. They usually don't get that dirty, just a little dusty.

[@riacoetzeemike5499]

I use an old toothbrush to clean the incubator

[@fatimapangulf]

I cant get rid of the rotten egg smell , I wash mine with diluted mouth wash

[@VeysPlace]

How do you clean the top part, if you have had an exploded egg?? How do you clean the top in general??

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I just wipe it down with a soapy rag and then again with a damp cloth. You could use alcohol wipes as well.

[@irisdominguez33]

You can also remove the electrical parts which isnt hard to do. So you can scrub a little extra

[@kidvinie6491]

I soak it and then use a brush or even a jet wash

[@wethepeople6906]

What about your egg Turner had a few eggs explode left black stinky stuff all over the Turner don't want to risk getting the wires or that metal piece wet making the Turner not work anymore

[@sammmy286]

I've heard that you can spray the bottom out with pine sol. And let it dry out in the sun

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That would work. I would rinse it out real well before setting it out to dry if it were me.

[@sammmy286]

@@Slightlyrednecked I agree. Just letting it dry straight on the incubator just would bother me. I'd have to rinse it first.

[@sammmy286]

I'm new to the incubating process. Got my first set of eggs in now. Doing all the research I can before hand. Thats what coturnix corner does. I found it intriguing

[@robertallen3133]

Are you a sheriff's deputy ?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

no. It was a promo shirt after the Joplin tornado. I bought one. It says "Rebuild Joplin" on the back.

[@williamhendrikcolpa9258]

Use a brush it will help you clean your tray and incubator better..

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good suggestion.

[@davidmilan8580]

Hand brush will cause the water channels in the base to leak!!!

[@micheler3011]

Ok just heard the bleach.

[@michaellohre1470]

my wife would fry my feet if i did that in the kitchen sink! bachelor?

[@feliciasafunnygirl2256]

I'm a wife and you are correct. You're feet will be fried by your wife. No way do we want our sink used like that which we use for food and dishes.

[@jupitertheargentinetegu]

My husband would fry my feet for doing that at the kitchen sink!

[@chelseahafer3055]

I guess I'm a different breed of wife because as long as we clean the sink properly we use it for everything including cleaning animal feeders for the babies etc. We also have stainless so it doesn't hold bacteria.

[@ashleight3366]

@@chelseahafer3055 lol same here for us! It cleans up so it isn't a big deal!

[@joebenitez9509]

I take iit with me to the car wash and hang it out the window

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I would be concerned that would tear it up.

[@kellyzier2744]

You should do that in the shower, not the kitchen sink. Eww!