Troubleshooting the Nurture Right 360 Egg Turner Not Rotating

The Nurture Right 360 is a popular incubator that includes an automatic egg turner to rotate eggs periodically during incubation. However, sometimes the auto egg turner can malfunction and stop rotating. There are a few troubleshooting steps to try if your Nurture Right 360 is not turning eggs properly.

Signs the Auto Turner Isn’t Working

Here are the main signs that the auto egg turner in the Nurture Right 360 is not functioning

• The turner does not rotate when you select the “test turn” option on the control panel.

• The red “turning” indicator light does not illuminate at scheduled turn intervals.

• Eggs remain stationary in the same orientation over time instead of being rotated.

• Opening the incubator shows the turner arm is not moving eggs.

• Hatch rates decline, likely due to lack of egg turning.

If you notice one or more of these issues, it’s time to troubleshoot why the auto turner isn’t working.

Causes of Egg Turner Failure

There are a few common reasons the automatic egg turner can stop working properly:

• The turner arm is not fully inserted or the D-shaped connector is not engaged.

• The days are not reset to 21 for a new hatch, so the turning schedule is not activated.

• There is a mechanical or electrical failure in the turning mechanism.

• Debris, dust, egg contents, etc. are obstructing the turner.

• The turner was damaged during use or cleaning.

• There is an issue with the control panel commands.

Fortunately, most failures can be fixed with simple solutions.

Quick Fixes to Try

If your Nurture Right 360 turner is not rotating eggs, start with these quick troubleshooting steps:

• Check that the turner arm is pushed completely into the incubator and the connector is fully engaged. Reseat it if needed.

• Make sure you have reset the incubator days to 21 for the new hatch. The auto turner won’t run otherwise.

• Test the turning mechanism by pressing the + and – buttons simultaneously. Does it turn manually?

• Open the incubator and inspect for any obstructions or debris on the turner parts.

• Verify that the control panel is sending the turn commands properly.

• Try unplugging then restarting the incubator in case of electronic failure.

These simple actions resolve many auto turner failures. But if they don’t work, further steps may be needed.

Testing the Turning Mechanism

To better diagnose the problem, test whether the physical turning mechanism is functioning.

• Insert an object like a plastic egg into one of the turner slots.

• Initiate a test turn from the control panel.

• Does the object rotate? If not, there is something mechanically wrong.

You can also initiate manual turning with the buttons to see if the motor and gears work. If manual turning engages but auto turning doesn’t, the issue is likely electronic.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Lack of cleaning can stop the auto turner. Follow these maintenance steps:

• Remove the turning arm and inspect it for damage and debris. Clean thoroughly.

• Use compressed air to blow out any dust or egg residue.

• Wipe down the electrical contacts with alcohol to remove residue.

• Check that connecting wires are intact and properly connected.

Proper cleaning and maintenance helps ensure the turning mechanism continues working smoothly.

Control Panel Malfunction

If the turner hardware seems mechanically sound, the next thing to check is the control board.

• Try resetting the incubator’s firmware to factory default settings in case of corrupted memory.

• Test the individual turn command buttons to isolate any control panel issues.

• On some models, removing and reinserting connectors on the rear of the control panel can resolve electronic malfunctions.

If you determine the control board is defective, replacement control boards are available. Make sure to get the correct part number for your incubator model.

Damaged Turner Parts

With heavy use over time, internal parts of the turning system can wear out or break. Here are solutions:

• Replace the turning motor if defective. Match specifications exactly.

• Swap cracked or failed gears in the turning mechanism.

• Repair or replace stripped turner arm connectors.

• A full replacement turner assembly is available if needed.

Be careful and only replace components with identical parts to maintain proper functionality and hatch rates.

Hatching Without Automatic Turning

If you cannot get the auto turner working again right away, eggs can still hatch with manual turning.

• Turn eggs at least 3 times per day, 4-5 turns per session.

• Mark eggs with an X on one side so you know the orientation.

• Turn approximately 90-120 degrees each time. Don’t twist.

• Schedule turns evenly around the clock if possible.

It takes more effort than the automatic turner, but frequent manual turning can yield decent hatch rates until you can repair the turner.

When to Call for Service

If you have worked through all the troubleshooting steps and tested components but cannot get the auto egg turner functioning again, it may require professional service. Contact the manufacturer – they can assess the issue and determine if repairs or replacements are needed.

Be prepared to provide details on:

• The specific failure symptoms you are experiencing.

• Troubleshooting steps you have tried.

• Any error codes displayed.

• Incubator model information.

With their expertise, an incubator service company can usually get even severely malfunctioning auto turners up and running again.

Preventing Future Auto Turner Failure

To help avoid egg turner problems in the future:

• Perform regular incubator maintenance like cleaning.

• Inspect the turning parts periodically for signs of wear.

• Be gentle when inserting and removing the turner arm.

• Keep the incubator protected from dust and debris.

• Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on proper use and care.

With some simple diligence, the automatic egg turner in your Nurture Right 360 should provide reliable performance hatch after hatch.

Troubleshooting an auto egg turner not rotating eggs in an incubator like the Nurture Right 360 involves methodically testing components, cleaning, replacing parts, and verifying control functions. Start with quick fixes like reseating connectors and control panel resets. If those don’t resolve the issue, methodically check each turning mechanism component and the control board. Repair or replace any damaged parts. With persistence, you can usually get the automatic turner working properly again. In a pinch, manually turning eggs can sustain a hatch until repairs are completed. But with some preventative care, the auto turner should operate smoothly for years.