Brinsea Mini Eco User manual

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Mini Eco high performance egg incubator
User instructions
Contents
Section Subject Page
1 Introduction 2
2 Unpacking 3
3 Location and Installation 3
4 Storage of eggs 4
5 Temperature 4
6 Humidity and Ventilation 5
7 Egg setting 5
8 Egg turning 6
9 Hatching 6
10 Cleaning up 6
11 Servicing 7
12 Troubleshooting 7
13 Specification 8
Read the instructions before use!
Damaged appliances shall not be used.
The appliance and its supply cord must be placed in an indoor area not subject to splashes
of water or wet conditions and protected from or out of reach of animals.
Repairs shall be carried out only by a suitably qualified person.
This appliance shall not be used, cleaned or maintained by children or persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge without
supervision. Children shall not play with the appliance.
Disconnect the incubator from the mains power supply during cleaning. Ensure that all
electrical parts are kept dry.
This appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided with the appliance.
Record your appliance serial number here: __________________

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Introduction
These instructions detail the operation of your new Mini Eco incubator. Please read these instructions carefully
before setting up your machine to achieve best results and keep these instructions safe for future reference. This
document includes recommended procedures for successful hatching but incubation involves the control and
manipulation of a large number of factors and in certain circumstances different procedures may be necessary.
Your incubator is designed to allow the user to vary the incubation conditions to suit a wide range of species in
different ambient conditions and the specific set-up for every situation is beyond the scope of these instructions.
There is a range of books available covering incubation techniques, for more information or to request a book list
please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Fig. 1 Functional features of the Mini Eco
Temperature adjuster
(on back of housing)
see section 5)
Control Housing
Heater Indicator LED
Power Inlet Socket
(on back of housing)
Spirit Thermometer
Water Pots
And Guard

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DO NOT COVER THE INCUBATOR. FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. THE INCUBATOR MUST BE PLACED
IN AN AREA NOT SUBJECT TO SPLASHES OF WATER OR WET CONDITIONS AND OUT OF REACH
OF ANIMALS AND CHILDREN.
THIS INCUBATOR IS NOT A TOY AND MAY ONLY BE OPERATED BY CHILDREN UNDER ADULT
SUPERVISION.
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE AND ELECTRIC SHOCK ONLY USE THE POWER
SUPPLY UNIT AS SUPPLIED WITH THE INCUBATOR. Spares are available from Brinsea Products Ltd.
1 Unpacking
Your incubator has been supplied in protective packaging. Please remove all tape, strapping and packing from
the incubator and parts. Retain the carton and packing materials to enable the unit to be repacked.
Your incubator will include as standard:
Quantity Item
1 Incubator (including removable lid)
1 Power Supply Unit
1 Water Pot Guard
1.1 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 the
document).
1.2 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.
1.3 Go to www.Brinsea.co.uk and register as a free member of the Brinsea Email Group to receive the latest
news and information such as advance notice about new products, special offers, exclusive competitions
and much more.
2 Location and Installation
2.1 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 17°C (63°F) and ensure that
the incubator cannot be exposed to direct sunlight.
2.2 ONLY USE THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT SUPPLIED WITH THE PRODUCT. USE OF A
DIFFERENT POWER SUPPLY MAY CAUSE A HAZARD AND WILL INVALIDATE ANY
WARANTEE.
2.3 Connect the power supply unit cable to the socket on the back of the incubator lid. Ensure the connector
is pushed fully home in its socket.
2.4 Place the incubator on a flat, level surface that is resistant to moisture and scratches. The base of the
incubator must sit flat on the surface as this traps air under it as part of the thermal insulation.
2.5 Remove the lid and fill one of the two water pots with water or 100:1 Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant
Solution. Fit the water pot guard to prevent chicks drowning.

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2.6 Plug the power supply unit into a suitable outlet ensuring that the cable is not pulled tight. The incubator
fan will start and the red heater indicator LED will light continuously.
2.7 Allow the incubator to run for at least an hour to stabilise the temperature before making adjustments or
setting eggs.
3 Storage of Eggs
3.1 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.
3.2 Discard cracked, mis-shaped and heavily soiled eggs (if possible). Only wash soiled eggs using a brand
egg wash solution such as Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant Concentrate following the manufacturer’s
instructions. It is essential to wash eggs in solution which 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 may leave the egg
at greater risk from bacterial contamination in the future.
4 Temperature
Stable and correct temperature is essential for good results. Adjust with care.
4.1 Your incubator has been factory set to the correct temperature for most species (37.4 –37.6) but it
is advisable to check the temperature and follow this procedure:-
4.2 As the incubator warms up and approaches its control setting the red LED will change from continuously
on to flashing. Allow the incubator to stabilise for at least an hour before adjusting the temperature.
4.3 If the temperature needs to be adjusted use a small, straight bladed screwdriver with a head no wider than
2mm (1/16th inch) to turn the adjuster screw inside the hole on the rear of the control housing. Gently
insert the screwdriver and turn it until it engages in the adjuster screw slot. Do not force an inappropriate
screwdriver into the housing, it may damage the adjustment unit and invalidate the warrantee.
4.4 Turn clockwise to increase temperature, anticlockwise to reduce it. ¼ of a turn is approximately 2 degrees
Celsius (4 Fahrenheit). Make very small adjustments and allow time for the temperature to stabilise
between adjustments.
4.5 Refer to the thermometer to check temperature. Adjust temperature with care –small differences have
large effects on hatching performance.
Temperature adjuster
screw inside hole

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4.6 Recommended temperatures: Typical incubation period:
Hens 37.4 –37.6°C 99.3 –99.6°F 21 days
Pheasant 37.6 –37.8°C 99.6 - 100°F 23-27 days
Quail 37.6 –37.8°C 99.6 - 100°F 16-23 days
Ducks 37.4 –37.6°C 99.3 –99.6°F 28 days
4.7 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.
5 Humidity and Ventilation
Correct humidity levels are important for successful incubation. Short term variations in humidity are not
important. The average humidity over the incubation period needs to be near optimum to achieve the ideal
weight loss. High humidity for the day or two of hatching is also important. Beware chronic, excessive humidity.
For more detailed information download the Brinsea Incubation Handbook free of charge at www.brinsea.co.uk
5.1 As a general guide for poultry/game/waterfowl maintain water in one of the two water pots from the time
eggs are set until 2 days before hatching is due - the depth of water doesn’t matter. If the incubator is full
of parrot (and parrot like species) eggs the incubator may be run without water for some of the early
incubation period.
For all species ensure the water level is above the divider between the two pots for the last two days of
incubation. Higher humidity levels are needed for hatching to prevent membranes drying too quickly. Fit
the water pot guard to prevent chicks drowning.
The above guidelines make no provision for different ambient conditions and are necessarily rather
generalised but they are simple and often effective.
5.2 In all cases the humidity for hatching needs to be high. Because of the short duration involved
water/weight loss will not be significantly affected. High humidity is necessary to prevent membranes
drying and hardening before the hatch fully emerges. Humidity will naturally increase as the first eggs
begin to hatch and internal membranes begin to dry. This effect is in addition to the increased area of
water evaporation from the water pots.
5.3 During hatching the high humidity levels will fall dramatically when the lid is opened and will take some
time to build up. Resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently –leave for at least 6 hours between
inspections.
6 Egg Setting
6.1 The Mini Eco is designed to accommodate eggs of different sizes up to duck eggs. Some experimentation
may be necessary to maximise capacity. Before setting eggs ensure that the incubator has been run for
several hours and has stabilised at the correct temperature.
6.2 Set the eggs at least 2cm in from the edge of the incubator base so that they are clear of the “skirt” of the
lid when it is fitted.
6.3 Once the eggs have been set the temperature must not be adjusted for 24 hours to allow the eggs to warm.
Check the water level every 3 days or so and temperature daily. Candle the eggs after 1/3rd of the
incubation period has elapsed to reject clear, infertile eggs (see section 12).

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7 Egg Turning
7.1 Mark each egg with a pencil “X” one side and “O” the other. This ensures that you can see which eggs
you have turned. Turn three times a day starting on the second day.
7.2 Always turn about the pointed end to reduce the chance of damaging the internal structures of the egg.
8 Hatching
8.1 Stop turning the eggs 2 days before they are due to hatch.
8.2 For cleanliness it is recommended to place a sheet of kitchen paper or similar in the bottom of the
incubator under the eggs when they are due to hatch. Tear a hole in the middle to fit over the water pots.
This also helps the chicks stand more comfortably.
8.3 Hatching humidity levels need to be high (see section 6 above). Ensure the water pots are full to above
the divider between them. Fit the water pot guard to prevent chicks drowning.
8.4 When most eggs have hatched (12 to 48 hours after the first egg hatches) remove the hatchlings to a
brooder. The Brinsea Cosylamp is ideal for poultry and waterfowl etc.
8.5 During hatching the high humidity levels will fall dramatically when the lid is lifted and will take some
time to build up. Resist the temptation to open the incubator frequently –leave for at least 6 hours
between inspections.
9 Cleaning Up
IMPORTANT:
DISCONNECT THE INCUBATOR FROM THE MAINS POWER SUPPLY DURING CLEANING.
ENSURE THAT ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS ARE KEPT DRY. DO NOT IMMERSE THE INCUBATOR
TOP.
9.1 NEVER WASH THE BASE, COVERS OR CABINET PARTS IN LIQUIDS OVER 50°C (120°F). DO
NOT USE A DISHWASHER TO CLEAN TRAYS, INCUBATOR BASE OR LID. Following each hatch
in the Mini Eco wash the base in Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant Solution. Wipe all other internal
surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in the solution. Ensure that the instructions supplied with the fluid are
followed.
9.2 Be sure to clean the air vent holes to keep them clear. There are two small holes on the bottom “skirt” of
the lid and one on the back of the clear part of the lid above the level of the fan cover.
9.3 If a separate hatcher is used the procedure above should still be followed every two months.
9.4 Periodically unscrew the four screws retaining the fan cover, remove the cover and soak. Dust and fluff
may be removed from the fan and heater cord with a soft brush. USE NO LIQUIDS. DO NOT TURN
THE LID OVER AS THE FAN IS NOT FIXED ONCE THE FAN COVER IS REMOVED. The fan
should be located on the 4 pegs under the lid before the cover is re-fitted.
THE INCUBATOR MUST NOT BE USED WITHOUT THE FAN COVER FITTED. THE
COVER SUPPORTS THE FAN AND PROVIDES PROTECTION FROM THE MOVING
BLADES.

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9.5 The exterior of the incubator may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid allowing any moisture to get
inside electrical housings.
9.6 ALWAYS CLEAN THE INCUBATOR BEFORE STORAGE AND ENSURE THAT THE UNIT IS
TOTALLY DRY INSIDE AND OUT. ALLOW IT TO RUN FOR 24 HOURS WITH NO WATER IN
TO ENSURE IT IS THOROUGHLY DRY.
10 Servicing
10.1 In case of failure first check that the mains Power Supply Unit is fully engaged in the socket and that its
lead and plug are fully engaged in the socket in the top of the incubator.
If the problem persists contact your distributor or Brinsea Products Service Dept.
10.2 The functional parts of the Mini Eco are modular and parts are available and are readily exchanged by a
suitably qualified person equipped with basic tools. Fitting instructions are supplied with replacement
parts.
11 Troubleshooting
11.1 Poor hatching results are frustrating and can be caused by a large number of factors. The most common
are given below. Brinsea Products will not be held responsible for loss of eggs or chicks under any
circumstances. However we will try to advise on incubation technique to improve results where
necessary.
11.2 Gather as much information from the hatching results as possible to enable the problem to be analysed in
detail. Record dates that eggs are set, incubator settings, dates of hatches, weight losses and the number
and condition of hatchlings. Candle or break open unhatched eggs to estimate the extent of embryo
development. The Brinsea Cool-Lume or Egg-Lume candling lamps are available from your dealer.
1) Clear when candled - probably infertile (or very early death)
when candled at 8 days
2) Fertile with red blood vessels - after 8 days
3) Red or black staining - early death when candled at 8 days
4) Embryo with red blood ‘ring’ - early death when candled at 8 days
5) Dark outline with ill defined detail - late death (10-16 days)
6) Live embryo with bill in air sack - due to hatch in 24-48 hours
7) Normal development of the air pocket according to number of days
1
10
20
1 2 3
4 5 6
7

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General guides:
Observation
Likely Cause(s)
Solution(s)
No chicks hatch
Infertility, infection, drastically
incorrect incubation settings,
parent ill health.
Check egg viability –are similar eggs
hatching naturally. Disinfect the
incubator. Check incubator settings and
procedures –particularly temperature.
Chicks hatch earlier than
expected, deformities.
Incubation temperature too high
Reduce incubation temperature slightly
0.5°C (1°F)
Chicks hatch later than
expected
Incubation temperature too low
Raise incubation temperature slightly
0.5°C (1°F)
Hatch dates widely spread
Different rates of development
due to different storage times,
incubation temperature
variation.
Limit egg storage times. Check for
incubation temperature variation –
sunlight, large room variation etc.
Late stage ‘death in shell’
Incorrect humidity, probably
too high.
Try reducing average humidity levels
(but see section 8 above)
Generally poor results
Incorrect incubation settings,
poor parent bird health,
inadequate egg turning,
Improve parent bird health, check all
incubation settings, analyse egg weight
loss to confirm humidity correct, check
turning working correctly.
12 Specification
Mini Eco Maximum Setting Capacities:
Egg size Typical capacity
Quail 24
Pheasant 12
Hen 10
Duck 8
Dimensions: 22cm x 22cm x 16.5cm high
Weight: 0.65 Kg
Power Consumption:
Incubator maximum 18 Watts
(typical average) 12 Watts
Power Supply Unit: 100 - 230v, 50Hz, 0.5A max.
Used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. For
proper treatment, recovery and recycling, please take this product to a designated collection point
where it will be accepted free of charge.
Please contact your local authority for further details of your nearest designated collection point.
Disposing of this product correctly will help save valuable resources and prevent any potential
negative effects on human health and the environment, which could otherwise arise from
inappropriate waste handling.

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Registered Community Design Application No 001130082
Brinsea Products Ltd, 32-33 Buckingham Road, Weston Industrial Estate,
Weston-super-Mare, N. Somerset, BS24 9BG
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail], website: www.Brinsea.co.uk
Declaration of Conformity
We: BRINSEA PRODUCTS LTD.
32-33 Buckingham Road
Weston Industrial Estate
Weston-super-Mare
North Somerset
BS24 9BG
Declare under our sole responsibility the products:
Egg Incubators:
Mini Eco (Serial numbers A015x/xxxxxxxxx)
Mini Advance (Serial numbers A0162x/xxxxxxxxx)
Mini Advance EX (Serial numbers A0172x/xxxxxxxxx)
to which this declaration relates are in conformity with the following EU Directives:
2006/42/EC Machinery Directive
2004/108/ECElectromagnetic Compatibility Directive
2011/65/EU Restriction on the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations
The relevant sections of the following Standards have been used:
EN 60335-1:2012
EN 60335-2-71:2003+A1:2007
EN 55014-1:2006+A2:2011
EN 55014-2:1997+A2:2008
EN 50581:2012
The technical documentation for the products is available from the above address.
Authorised Representative: Ian Pearce, Managing Director
Signature:
Date of Issue: 27/11/2014
Place of Issue: 32-33 Buckingham Road, Weston Industrial Estate, Weston-super-
Mare, North Somerset, BS24 9BG, United Kingdom.