How to Properly Use a Novital, FIEM, Using and Setting Up Covatutto (Novital) Incubators

Covatutto incubators from the Eco24 model onward come equipped with a precise thermostat set between 37.8 °C and 38.2 °C (equivalent to 99.8 °F–101 °F).
For static models (e.g. Novital 7-egg or 16-egg), it’s recommended to slightly increase the temperature.

Always place your incubator:

• In a well-ventilated area with ambient temperatures between 18–25 °C
• With ambient humidity around 60 %
• On a stable, vibration-free surface

Selecting Eggs for Incubation

• Incubate eggs between 1 and 10 days after laying
• Choose clean, well-shaped eggs that match the species
• Use an egg candler to identify:
  • Cracks
  • Poorly centered embryos
  • Faulty air cells

Candling helps remove doubtful eggs and optimizes space in the incubator.

Placing Eggs in the Incubator

Once preheated:

• Place eggs flat or standing, with the air cell facing up (based on the model)
• Use either a universal tray (for all poultry) or a species-specific professional tray
  An internal fan ensures even heat distribution.

Egg turning:

• Semi-automatic: manual lever, 5 times a day
• Automatic: motorized

➡ We recommend automatic incubators for greater comfort and precision.

Managing Humidity During Incubation

• Fill water trays with clean water
• Check water levels daily
• Recommended humidity levels:
  • Incubation: 38 %–52 %
  • Hatching: 56 %–62 %

 Note: °F refers to wet-bulb temperature, not % humidity.
We offer wick and hair hygrometers (see spare parts section).

Hatching Tips

3 days before hatch:

• Disconnect the turning motor
• Do not open the incubator
• Increase water surface area
• Close vents to three-quarters

High humidity ensures optimal hatching success.
Use a Novital digital hygrometer, specifically designed for these incubators.

After Hatching: Brooder Setup

Once chicks are dry (≈24 hours), move them to a heated brooder at ≈35 °C, avoiding drafts.
Gradually reduce the temperature daily, with chicks ready to leave the brooder at around 10 days.

Common Problems & Solutions

During incubation:

• At Day 6, perform a second candling
• Remove infertile eggs to prevent bacterial growth
• Embryo mortality around Day 15 is often due to:
  • Incorrect temperature
  • Poor egg quality

At hatching:

• Incomplete hatches or dead chicks in shells may result from:
  • Opening the incubator
  • Incorrect humidity
  • Poor-quality incubator
  • Consanguineous or weak breeder stock

Irregular hatch patterns often occur from:

• Eggs of different ages or sizes
• Poor air circulation

Conclusion

Using a quality incubator like Novital Covatutto or FIEM ensures excellent results, provided incubation parameters are maintained.

At La Belle Caille de Blé, our engineering and regulation specialist handles maintenance and repair of your incubators.