Sterilising an Incubator

[featheredplanets]

What’s the most efficient and effective way to sterilise an incubator? I’ve read conflicting opinions on it. My incubator is the Janoel 12.
Thanks!

 

[happyhens1972]

I dismantle mine down as far as it will go without messing with the mechanics. I then use hot soapy water on any parts that can't be damaged by water ingress. I use a soft paintbrush to brush any fluff and dander from unwashable parts, like the motor and fan. I then spray everything non-elecrical with Brinsea Incubator disinfectant, then put some more of the disifectant into a pan of boiling water and place it inside the incubator with the vents closed for a few minutes. This allows a 'steam' of disinfectant to penetrate the harder to reach parts. Then drain it all off and air dry. If it goes into storage, then I will repeat this whole procedure next time I get it out, before setting any new eggs.

 

[featheredplanets]

I tried taking mine apart but there’s a lot of zip ties holding wires, can I clip them off and put new ones on after? Will a normal disinfectant work or should I buy a branded one for use in poultry incubators? Thank you

 

[happyhens1972]

I wouldn't take the zip ties off or get too much water around the wires, heater or fan. If you are not going to re-use the incubator straight away, if it's going into storage then normal disinfectant will be fine. If you intend to re-use it, I suggest you give it a very thorough rinse off afterwards in case a 'normal' disinfectant has any toxic chemicals.

 

[Joeschooks]

I disinfect with Virkon S. Do you have that in USA? Its DEFRA approved here and safe for avian use. I run the incubator for a couple of hours to thoroughly dry before packing away.

 

[featheredplanets]

I wouldn't take the zip ties off or get too much water around the wires, heater or fan. If you are not going to re-use the incubator straight away, if it's going into storage then normal disinfectant will be fine. If you intend to re-use it, I suggest you give it a very thorough rinse off afterwards in case a 'normal' disinfectant has any toxic chemicals.

Okay thanks! I’ll be using it soon but not straight away so I’ll see if there’s an alternative

 

[featheredplanets]

I disinfect with Virkon S. Do you have that in USA? Its DEFRA approved here and safe for avian use. I run the incubator for a couple of hours to thoroughly dry before packing away.

I’m in England so I should probably be able to find some. Thank you, I’ll take a look

 

[Joeschooks]

I’m in England so I should probably be able to find some. Thank you, I’ll take a look

Ah sorry I didn’t realise! Virkon S is great for sterilising the chicken run too. In fact I sterilise everything chicken with the stuff!

 

[featheredplanets]

Ah sorry I didn’t realise! Virkon S is great for sterilising the chicken run too. In fact I sterilise everything chicken with the stuff!

Gee it looks like proper good stuff, I’m definitely going to try it. Is it safe for all poultry and for them to come in contact with?

 

[Joeschooks]

Yeah it’s completely poultry safe. I take precautions like making sure I don’t get it in their drinking water or in their feed etc but one of its many uses is disinfecting commercial poultry drinking systems so I guess I’m just being overly cautious. It’s not cheap but Mole Stores sell it so that saves on p&p if you’ve got one near you.