Brinsea CONTAQ Z6 User manual

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Operating Instructions

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Contents
Contents....................................................................................................................................................2
1Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
2Unpacking........................................................................................................................................5
3Storage of Eggs................................................................................................................................5
4Modes of Operation .........................................................................................................................6
5Setting Up Your Contaq Z6.............................................................................................................6
5.1 Location ..................................................................................................................................6
5.2 Humidity Sensor .....................................................................................................................7
5.3 Contact Mode..........................................................................................................................7
5.4 Forced Draft Mode..................................................................................................................8
5.5 Conveyor Assembly................................................................................................................9
5.6 Setting Eggs ..........................................................................................................................11
5.7 Rear Panel Connections ........................................................................................................13
5.8 Incubation Settings................................................................................................................13
6Temperature...................................................................................................................................15
7Humidity........................................................................................................................................16
8Turning ..........................................................................................................................................18
9Cooling ..........................................................................................................................................20
10 Hatching.........................................................................................................................................20
11 Servicing and Cleaning..................................................................................................................21
11.1Humidity Pump Tube............................................................................................................21
12 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................22
12.1 Poor Hatching Results...........................................................................................................22
13 Technical Fault Finding.................................................................................................................23
13.1 Engineering (ENG) Mode: -..................................................................................................23
13.2 System Values.......................................................................................................................25
13.3 Temperature Calibration .......................................................................................................26
14 Specification ..................................................................................................................................28

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1Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the most advanced egg incubator available. The
Contaq Z6 has been designed to allow the best possible environment for your eggs to
incubate and hatch. These instructions detail the operation of your new Contaq
incubator, incorporating Contact Incubation Technology (CIT). Please read them
carefully before setting up the incubator in order to achieve best results.
A background into CIT
The method of contact incubation technology is actually as old as the birds themselves
–but what is new is the unique way the method is applied to this Contaq machine.
The Theory Behind the Product
Contact incubation is based on the natural incubation process. The most striking
difference between natural and artificial incubation is the fact that the natural parent
provides warmth by contact rather than surrounding the egg with warm air. This may
not at first sight seem significant but important research studies carried out by J. Scott
Turner at New York State University and the University of Cape Town has revealed
major unsuspected differences in thermal behaviour of eggs incubated by contact
rather than convection. Crucially, eggs in a forced draft incubator have near uniform
temperature throughout incubation; there will be some increase in embryonic
temperature towards the end of incubation as a result of increased metabolism but
otherwise the whole egg will remain near incubator air temperature. By contrast, eggs
incubated naturally or by contact, have significant temperature differences. Heat is
entering the egg over a relatively small brood patch, which is therefore warmer than
other regions of the egg, and is being lost from most of the remaining shell area which
is cooler.
In contact incubation, the embryo temperature tends to fall at later stages of
incubation as a result of the embryo’s own blood circulation which becomes
significantly more important than embryonic metabolism in determining temperature
distribution and heat flow within the egg, quite contrary to previous understanding
which assumed metabolism to be dominant and cause egg temperature to rise. The
inevitable fact that the embryo grows larger and must move from its original position
on top of the yolk sack downwards in the egg to cooler regions also tends to reduce
embryonic temperature as incubation progresses. These important findings emphasise
surprising differences between natural and artificial incubation, but there are others.

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Eggs in nature are certainly subjected to a cycle of warming and cooling coupled with
ventilation as the parent bird leaves the nest to feed and defend territory, etc.
The Contaq incubator should be viewed as replacing the natural Bird and Nest
combination. The pressurised ‘skin’ mimics the functions of an incubating parent;
providing warmth by contact with the tops of eggs, but also the facility to lift from the
eggs periodically and in doing so, causes a substantial influx of fresh air in the manner
of a bird standing or leaving the nest.
The egg chamber substitutes for the ‘nest’ in providing a safe, protected environment
for the eggs, with provision for air to be induced through the nest material which
enables the operator to exercise control over the degree of ventilation of eggs. Nests
of different species have very different characteristics, particularly with respect to gas
permeability. This in turn affects water loss from eggs, so it is necessary to adjust the
amount of nest material accordingly. Where required, additional humidity is
introduced to the egg chamber automatically. The ideal combination of nest material
and humidity setting is best determined by weighing eggs and monitoring water loss.
The Contaq egg chamber also provides sophisticated provision for automatic turning
of eggs of different sizes. Egg turning coincides with lifting of the skin and enables
programmable fixed or random turns.
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Unpacking
Your Contaq incubator had been supplied in protective packaging. Please remove all
tape, strapping and packing material. Retain the carton and packing materials to
enable the unit to be repacked if need be.
The Contaq Z6 includes:
Item
Quantity
Item
Quantity
Contaq Incubator
1
Contaq Skin Panel
1
Conveyor Chassis
1
Air Filter Panel
1
Conveyor End Cover
1
Base Insulation Panel
1
Conveyor End Rollers
2
Hatching Tray / Lid
2
Conveyor Belts
3
Hatching Tray Lid Posts
4
Egg Rollers
12
Water Tube
1
Egg Dividers
7
Evaporation Material
2
Bag of Small O-Rings
1
Humidity Sensor
1
Large O-Rings
24
Spot-Check Thermometer
1
Mains Lead
1
Please identify each part and check that they are all present and undamaged. If there
are any parts damaged or missing please contact your retailer or Brinsea Products (at
the address at the end of this document). To register your new Brinsea product please
visit www.brinsea.co.uk and follow the link on the right hand side of the home page
to qualify for your free 2 year guarantee.
3Storage of Eggs
Always store eggs in cool, damp conditions. Most species may be safely stored for up
to 14 days before serious reductions in hatch rates are likely. Daily turning of stored
eggs also helps maintain hatchability.
Discard cracked, misshapen and heavily soiled eggs (if possible). Wash eggs using a
100:1 solution of Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant. Follow the instructions supplied. It
is essential to wash eggs in solution that is significantly warmer than the egg. Bear in
mind that all solutions will remove the outer cuticle from the egg as well as the dirt
and care must be taken to avoid re-contaminating the eggs during later inspection etc.

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4Modes of Operation
Your Contaq Z6 combines the proven benefits of Contact Incubation with the
additional flexibility of being a forced draft incubator and hatcher in one space-
efficient machine. Both modes of operation provide sophisticated control of egg
turning and cooling.
In Contact Mode the optimum temperature gradient across the eggs is created by the
warm contact skin and the relatively cool egg chamber. The nest environment may be
adapted to suit the species being incubated by the addition of layers of nest material to
provide increased humidity levels by evaporation.
In Forced Draft Mode the addition of an insulating panel in the base of the egg
chamber provides even temperature around the eggs and allows precise control of
relative humidity levels to optimise hatching conditions. The contact skin is simply
removed and replaced by an air filter panel to provide gentle air movement around the
eggs. An adjustable vent is provided on the rear panel to give further control of
humidity, this is usually left half open.
5Setting Up Your Contaq Z6
5.1 Location
Your incubator will give best results in a room free from wide temperature variations
and with generous ventilation –particularly if several incubators are running at the
same time. Ensure that the room temperature cannot drop on a cold night. Ideally
thermostatically control the room at between 20 and 25°C (68 and 77°F). Never allow
the room temperature to drop below 15°C (59°F) and ensure that the incubator cannot
be exposed to direct sunlight.
Place the incubator on a flat, level surface capable of supporting the weight of the
incubator (30kg).
If water addition for humidity control is required the water tube inlet is located on the
right hand side of the incubator adjacent to the water pump. Considerable water use
may be experienced in Contact Mode and a water reservoir of several litres capacity is
recommended.
Contac Z6 incubators may be stacked a maximum of 2 units high. The top machine
must be located squarely over the lower machine to ensure the weight is distributed
through the load bearing structure.

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5.2 Humidity Sensor
IMPORTANT:- For correct operation the humidity sensor must be fitted as shown.
Remove the drawer by sliding fully forward and releasing the spring catches on the
drawer slides. Note that the catches operate in opposite directions.
Plug the humidity sensor into its socket in the right hand wall of the egg chamber.
Ensure the sensor is the correct way up and pushed fully home into the socket. The
label “ETC” should be face down.
5.3 Contact Mode
Remove the drawer by sliding fully forward and releasing the spring catches on the
drawer slides. Note that the catches operate in opposite directions.
Place layers of Evaporating Material flat in the base of the incubation chamber. Two
layers may be required to achieve higher humidity levels, cover the large holes with
the material. Lay the water tube over the top of the material with its end near the
centre.

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Slide the Contact Skin Frame into the guides in the top of the incubation chamber.
Note that the frame is not square and will only push in fully when fitted the correct
way round. The frame will be a tight, sliding fit to ensure a good air seal. The black
felt should be on the top.
Replace the drawer by aligning the slides and pushing back in. The catches will
automatically engage to prevent accidental release.
5.4 Forced Draft Mode
Remove the drawer by sliding fully forward and releasing the spring catches on the
drawer slides. Note that the catches operate in opposite directions.
Place the Base Insulation Panel in the bottom of the incubation chamber and ensure it
fully covers all the large holes.
Place two layers of Evaporating Material into the recess in the top of the panel and lay
the water tube over the top of the material with its end near the centre.

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Slide the Air Filter Frame into the guides in the top of the incubation chamber. Note
that the frame is not square and will only push in fully when fitted the correct way
round. The frame will be a tight sliding fit to ensure a good air seal.
Replace the drawer by aligning the slides and pushing back in. The catches will
automatically engage to prevent accidental release.
5.5 Conveyor Assembly
Carefully slide the conveyor belt over the chassis.
Insert the large rollers into the ends of the belt.
Locate the roller ends into the bearings as shown (spring loaded bearings first, then
gently lever out the fixed bearings). The spring-loaded bearings provide tension in the
conveyor belt.
Spring-loaded Bearings Fixed Bearings

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The conveyor assembly may now be lowered into the drawer frame. Locate the end
cover down the first slot in the egg roller guides, it only fits one way round. Place one
of the flat egg dividers in the last slot in the egg roller guides to prevent any eggs
accidentally rolling off the back of the conveyor.
When the drawer is closed the conveyor automatically engages with the turning
system drive wheel.
IMPORTANT
When the drawer is closed both drawer handles must be turned fully clockwise
to ensure the drawer is locked in position and the air pressurisation system is
switched to the correct mode. Failure to observe this may result in the Contact
Skin remaining retracted and the eggs will not be warmed.
To open the drawer, turn both door handles counter-clockwise. A warning
buzzer sounds for 10 seconds while the air pressurisation system retracts the
Contact Skin. It is important to wait while the skin is lifted from the eggs to
prevent the eggs being dislodged as the drawer is opened. To maintain steady
temperature do not leave the drawer open for any longer than is absolutely
necessary.

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5.6 Setting Eggs
Your Contaq Z6 is supplied with rollers which may be fitted with large or small ‘O-
rings’ to give different effective diameters. Different sizes of eggs may be
accommodated as follows –
Small (e.g. Parrots): Use rollers fitted with one large o-ring on each end to
achieve fine turn control, or to allow option of simultaneous incubation with
larger eggs.
Medium (e.g. Poultry): Use rollers with small diameter ends (no large o-rings).
Large (e.g. Goose): Rest eggs directly onto the conveyor floor and divide
rows between plastic bars.
Fig 5.6.1 Rollers Slide into Slots Fig 5.6.2 Positioning of Rollers for
Medium Size Eggs
Fig 5.6.3 Positioning of Rollers for Fig 5.6.4 Dividers for Large Eggs
Small Eggs (Large o-rings should
be staggered as below)
Large Eggs Medium Eggs Small Eggs

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Use the small o-rings provided to divide eggs. By placing small o-rings on the tubing,
this will stop eggs from gathering at one end of the tubing during turning. Rollers
should be positioned as far apart as practicable for any particular sized egg, provided
there is no danger of an egg falling through or getting jammed.
IMPORTANT
During incubation all eggs should rest with their pointed end lower than the round
end, the greater the angle the lower the risk of embryo mal-positioning. Check by
regular observation that this is the case.
WHEN INCUBATING SMALL EGGS USING THE ROLLERS THE
FOLLOWING APPLIES TO ENSURE THIS:
Rollers should be positioned as far apart as practicable for any particular sized
egg, provided there is no danger of an egg falling through or getting jammed.
Eggs supported like this are more likely to settle with the point slightly
downwards. The angle tends to increase as the air cell dries out, as it does in
Nature.
Eggs are set with pointed ends pointing towards the chamber side that is
nearest. Thus eggs in the left half of the incubator should have their pointed
end towards the left and eggs in the right half pointed towards the right:-
Egg points to left
Egg points to right
Rollers as far apart
as possible

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5.7 Rear Panel Connections
a.c. inlet 12V inlet Alarm Vent (see section 7)
a.c. inlet 115 volt or 230 volt mains input as ordered. The inlet has a built-in
fuse-holder for a 2 Amp “slow-blow” type fuse plus a compartment for
a spare. Further spares may be ordered from Brinsea Products.
CAUTION - For continued protection against fire the fuse should only
be replaced with one of similar rating.
12V inlet The Contaq Z6 can have a power ‘back up’ supply attached to
eliminate the effect of a short term mains failure. By attaching a 12V
dc 10A power source (such as a battery), if a mains failure occurs, the
incubator will automatically use the battery back up as a power source,
and continue to function as normal.
CAUTION –observe the polarity red = positive, black = negative or
permanent damage may be caused to the electronic control system.
Alarm The Contaq Z6 has an output alarm socket, which can be used to
trigger an external alarm system. The socket receives a 3.5mm jack
plug.
5.8 Incubation Settings
Once plugged in, power-up the incubator by switching on the mains supply.
Notice the digital display reading ‘warming…’. No operations can take place until
the incubator has warmed up which will take about 20 minutes.
Once the warming period is finished, the following screen appears:-
xxxgjjgjigiji
TIME > TURN INC
36.9C 48% 1h58
+
_

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The Contaq Z6 is now in a working incubation mode and can be set-up for your
personal preferences and those most suited to your species of eggs. To set-up your
incubator, push all three buttons (referred to as B1, B2 and B3) on the control panel to
enter settings.
Scroll through the settings using B2 (back) and B3 (next). Use B1 to select a setting.
Once in a setting, follow the display to adjust values. See the flowchart on page 26
for more details.
Settings are as follows (defaults in brackets) –
Display Title Description More Info Page
INC TEMP Adjust incubation temperature (39.0) 15
TEMP UNITS Change temperature units
between ºC and ºF (°C) Back of booklet
HUM LEVEL Change humidity levels RH% (40%) 16
OPERATION MODE Change between Incubation
and Hatching mode (Incubate) 20
TURN INT MAX Set maximum turning intervals (2h) 18
TURN INT MIN Set minimum turning intervals (1h) 18
TURN ANG MAX Set maximum turning angles (4s) 18
TURN ANG MIN Set minimum turning angles (2s) 18
TURN DIR Change between Random, Alternate,
Reverse and Forward turning directions
(Random) 18
COOL ON/OFF Switch cooling intervals on or off (on) 20
COOL INTERVALS Change interval time (24h) 20
COOL PERIOD Change cooling period time (20m) 20
SAVE & EXIT Permanently saves changes and exits
to running mode Back of booklet
ABORT CHANGES* Exit to running mode without
permanently saving changes Back of booklet
*To reverse unwanted changes switch off the incubator. The incubator will revert to
the previously saved settings upon restart.
Having determined the preferred settings, incubation can now progress.

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6Temperature
Stable and correct temperature is essential for good results. Adjust with care.
Your Contaq Z6 is fitted with a high quality, individually calibrated digital
thermometer system. A calibrated Brinsea “Spot-Check” digital thermometer is also
supplied to provide a convenient calibration reference (see section on Calibration).
Be cautious of the accuracy of other thermometers used and have them calibrated if
necessary.
Note: Your incubator may not be set to the correct temperature for your eggs. The
following procedure must be followed before setting eggs. These figures should be
taken as a guide only. As in Nature, Contact Incubation “skin” temperature is higher
than that of the egg and the embryo inside it. The guide temperatures for Contact
Incubation are therefore higher than those normally expected in Conventional
Incubation, and the two very different techniques should not be directly compared.
Allow the incubator to stabilise for at least an hour before adjusting the temperature.
Adjust temperature with care –small differences have large effects on hatching
performance.
IMPORTANT
Ensure the temperature setting is adjusted when changing between Contact
Mode and Forced Draft Mode. The incubation temperatures for the two modes
are significantly different.
CONTACT MODE Rec’d temperatures: Typical incubation period:
Hens 39.5°C 103.1°F 21 days
Pheasant 39.7°C 103.5°F 23-27 days
Quail 39.7°C 103.5°F 16-23 days
Ducks 39.5°C 103.1°F 28 days
Geese 39.5°C 103.1°F 28-32 days
Falcons 39.5ºC 103.1ºF 31-33 days
Parrots:
Amazons 39.5°C 103.1°F 24-29 days
Macaws 39.5°C 103.1°F 28-30 days
Love birds 39.5°C 103.1°F 22-24 days
African Grey 39.5°C 103.1°F 26-28 days
Sulphur Cockatoo 39.5°C 103.1°F 29-31 days
Eclectus 39.5°C 103.1°F 28 days
Rhea 38.0°C 100.4°F 35-40 days
Emu 38.0°C 100.4°F 49-52 days

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FORCED DRAFT MODE Rec’d temperatures: Typical incubation period:
Hens 37.5°C 99.5°F 21 days
Pheasant 37.7°C 99.8°F 23-27 days
Quail 37.7°C 99.8°F 16-23 days
Ducks 37.5°C 99.5°F 28 days
Geese 37.5°C 99.5°F 28-32 days
Falcons 37.2ºC 99.0ºF 31-33 days
Parrots:
Amazons 37.2°C 99.0°F 24-29 days
Macaws 37.2°C 99.0°F 28-30 days
Love birds 37.2°C 99.0°F 22-24 days
African Grey 37.2°C 99.0°F 26-28 days
Sulphur Cockatoo 37.2°C 99.0°F 29-31 days
Eclectus 37.2°C 99.0°F 28 days
Rhea 36.0°C 96.8°F 35-40 days
Emu 36.0°C 96.8°F 49-52 days
Developing embryos are fairly tolerant of short term temperature drops and the user
need not be concerned about cooling that occurs when inspecting eggs. Temperatures
above ideal can quickly have a serious detrimental effect on hatch rates and must be
avoided.
The Contaq Z6 is fitted with a temperature alarm system, which gives audible and
visual warning of unexpected high or low temperature readings. The screen displays
the alarming temperature reading, as well as the ‘correct’ target temperature set by the
user. To adjust the high and low temperature alarm settings, see the troubleshooting
section, on page 25.
7Humidity
The Z6 incorporates Brinsea’s humidity control system which monitors the humidity
level in the egg chamber, displays this level on the screen (in %RH) and pumps water
onto evaporating material to control the humidity level to the level set by the user.
Ensure the humidity sensor is plugged in. The socket is situated in the base of the
incubator on the right hand wall (see page 7).
NOTE: In Contact Mode the egg chamber in the Z6 replicates the nest environment as
far as possible and so there is little air movement most of the time and occasional
large air movements when the contact skin is raised for turning or cooling. These
factors mean that humidity levels will fluctuate during and after turning or cooling.
This is an entirely natural effect and will not adversely affect the incubating eggs.
The water pump will stop working during a cooling period to prevent excessive water
addition.

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The current humidity level is shown continuously on the display (unless in ‘settings’
or ‘engineering’ mode). To alter the desired humidity level push buttons 1, 2 & 3 at
once to enter the ‘settings’ mode, then scroll to ‘humidity level’ to adjust.
Suggested humidity levels are given below:
During incubation
Waterfowl 45-55% RH
Poultry 40-50% RH
Parrots 35-45% RH
Most Birds of Prey 40-45% RH
(Thin shelled - Merlins, Kestrels, Owls) 50% RH
Hatching
All species 65% RH or more
For more specific information on particular species’ requirements check the relevant
literature.
Determining correct humidity setting –monitoring egg weight loss:-
Eggs lose moisture through their shells and the rate of evaporation depends on the
humidity levels around the eggs. The range in recommended humidity level for any
given species is because of individual differences in shell porosity between one egg
and another –even if laid by the same bird.
There is a technique whereby water loss can be monitored during incubation, allowing
the humidity level to be adjusted to keep water loss exactly right.
The need for eggs to lose a fixed amount of water during incubation corresponds to a
loss in weight of around 13-18% depending on species. By weighing eggs periodically
during incubation it is possible to monitor and, if necessary, correct humidity levels to
achieve the correct weight loss.
Weigh the eggs on the day they are set in the incubator, take the average weight and
plot this on a graph (see example over page). The ideal weight loss line can be plotted
by joining the point representing initial average weight with the ideal hatch weight
(13-18% less depending on species) with the x-axis representing the incubation period
(in days).
By measuring actual average weights every few days the actual weight loss can be
plotted and compared to the ideal weight loss line and corrections can be made. For
example if the actual weight loss was greater than ideal (see graph below) then the air
has been too dry and humidity levels need to be increased to compensate.

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Typical ideal weight losses for species groups:
Birds of Prey 17%
Poultry 13%
Parrots 16%
Waterfowl 14%
If difficulty is experienced in Contact Mode maintaining very high or very low
humidity levels then it is suggested that the Base Insulation Panel be fitted in the
bottom of the incubation chamber (see page 8). This will restrict the rate of air
exchange and allow greater control of extremes.
An adjustable vent is provided on the rear of the machine to allow fine adjustment of
humidity when in Forced Draft Mode. This is nominally set half open.
8Turning
The Z6 has a uniquely flexible turning system designed to allow any natural turning
regime to be simulated. The control panel provides adjustment of the turning
functions (see below). Set your Z6 to best replicate the turning regime of the species
you are breeding.
Maximum Turning Interval (time between turn cycles)
Minimum Turning Interval
Maximum turning Angle (expressed in time (seconds) of turn)
Minimum Turning Angle
Direction of turn
These can be adjusted by going into the settings menu and scrolling through to the
turning functions.
The Minimum and Maximum turning intervals can be set to the same value to give
consistent intervals. If the Minimum and Maximum Turning Intervals are different the
Z6 will randomly select times between these limits.
Egg weight loss chart
50
55
60
65
70
3
7
11
15
19
Incubation period (days)
Average egg weight
(grams)
Ideal weight
(grams)
Measured
weight (grams)

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The turning Angle is controlled by selecting the time that the turning motor runs for.
The angle of turn will also be a function of the diameter of the eggs. Larger eggs will
need a longer duration of turn to achieve a given angle of turn than smaller eggs. Use
the guide to help you determine the correct duration of turn for the desired turn angle.
PLEASE NOTE these are approximate figures and it is recommended you check the
setting before incubation.
The direction of egg turning can be set to any of the following four options:-
Continuously right –turning will always be to the right
Continuously left –turning will always be to the left
Alternating –Eggs turned one way on first turn, back the other way on the
second etc.
Random –Tuning direction is randomised by the control system to give a
more ‘natural’ turning regime.
It is recommended that the Random function is normally used.
Recommended Turning Durations / Setup:-
Standard Egg Rollers / Divider (Medium and Large Sized Eggs):-
Species 40º 60º 80º 100º 120º 140º 160º 180º
Partridge 1 2 2 2 3 3
Pheasant 1 2 2 3 3 3 4
Hen 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
Duck 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6
Turkey 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6
Goose 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7
Emu/Rhea 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10
Ostrich 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11
Harris Hawk 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5
Saker Falcon 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5
Egg Rollers Fitted With Large O-rings (Smaller Sized Eggs):-
Species 40º 60º 80º 100º 120º 140º 160º 180º
Quail 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5
Partridge 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6
Pheasant 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7
Hen 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8
Duck 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11
Parrots:
Amazon 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7
Hyacinth Macaw 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
African Grey 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8
Sulphur Cock’too 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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9Cooling
Eggs are cooled briefly each time they are turned when the contact ‘skin’ is retracted,
drawing in fresh air. Additional cooling can be achieved to simulate the bird leaving
the nest. Typically this would be set for one or two cooling periods each day of 15 to
20 minutes duration. During the cooling period the contact skin is retracted and the
heater is switched off. To program the cooling cycle push all three buttons at once to
enter the ‘settings’ menu. Scroll to cooling interval, select and adjust the period of
time between cooling cycles. Next in the settings menu is cooling period. This is the
duration of time a cooling cycle will last for. Again select to adjust. Humidity levels
may fluctuate during and after cooling. This is an entirely natural effect and will not
adversely affect the incubating eggs. The water pump is automatically switched off
during the cooling period to avoid excessive water addition.
10 Hatching
The Contaq Z6 can be used for hatching in both Contact and Forced draft Modes –in
numerous trials no cases of suffocation by the skin have been reported. However,
running a separate hatcher (multi-stage incubation) has advantages. In multistage
incubation the eggs are set in the main incubator (‘setter’) and removed around 2 days
before they are due to hatch and placed in the ‘Hatcher’ (which is set up for the
purpose with high humidity and no egg turning). The benefits of multistage incubation
are that the mess of hatching is kept separate from the incubator –reducing the risk of
bacterial contamination and allows eggs to hatch at different dates without
compromising the conditions for eggs earlier in incubation.
The Z6 has two software modes –‘incubation’ and ‘hatching’. The default is
incubation mode and hatching mode can be selected by entering the settings mode.
Scroll to ‘operation mode’, then select to change to hatching. The hatching mode
disables the egg turning procedure. When hatching in the Z6, change to hatching
mode two days before eggs are due to hatch.
In Forced Draft Mode the conveyor assembly may be removed from the drawer and a
dedicated hatching tray can then be placed in the bottom of the drawer to allow
maximum control of humidity.