Noob to Incubation

[Glaseria]

Hello BYCers!

My name is Glaseria and I am looking into getting our first incubator. There's so many on the market I'm finding it difficult to choose one. Ideally, I would like to have one that is an auto turner( provided those are healthy for the chicks), that is kind of hands off and can handle Duck eggs and Quail eggs! Suggestions, examples and experience is welcome! Thank you!

Sincerely,
Your Fellow Homesteader,
Glaseria

 

[DwayneNLiz]

Hello and WELCOME TO BYC!!!!

i built one, works great can hold a turner, made from a cooler

brinsea are great but very pricey
any incubator *should* be able to accommodate a turner of sorts, and many incubators have some fault or another
also depends on how many eggs and your price point

 

[chickens really]

I have a Hovabator 1588.......It is easy to use......I am on my second hatch of Duck eggs......
I paid $300.00.....It was recommended to me as a great first time incubator.......


Best of luck.......


Cheers!

 

[feedman77]

Welcome to byc.

I have a brinsea 20 advance. Pretty much a set and forget it. Holds temp well and I get excellent hatch rates.

I have 1588 genesis hold 40 eggs with a turner. For a styro they hold temp well and get high rates rates with these as well.

I had an LG still air (9300) and an LG forced air (10300). These can be very tempremental. Don't really recommend these just off experience with them.

I just upgraded to a 1502 sportsman cabinet. Only hatched one batch in it but so far I love it.

Find the type that best suits your needs and budget. When incubating goes well it can be very addicting and makes chicken math go out of control.

For tabletop style brinsea and 1588 genesis are top notch.

Good luck with any type you choose

 

[Glaseria]

How do styrofoam incubators hold up? Are they garbage? Is plastic better? Or is it not the material the incubator is made of but rather the features it has in it?

Sincerely,
Your Fellow Homesteader,
Glaseria

 

[Tabasco Jack]

Like with most things, you get what you pay for. I've got 2 of the 1588 Genesis, one of which is 4 years old. They are very reliable and hold steady temperature.
I've not used one of the chinese plastic models but from the post I see here, they are not very reliable or have a long life. Some folks may get good results from them.

If you buy the quail rails along with the turner, you'll be able to swap them out easily to do quail, chicks or ducks.

 

[TalkBahk2Me]

I would have to say the Hova Bators with circulating air and the egg turner are almost dummy proof my 1st hatch of 42, was a 39 hatch success

Can't complain easy to use & cleaning is simple too.

 

[Glaseria]

So are Hova Baters the most reliable? Are they plastic or styrofoam? Please post your make and model and success rate for your brooder please! That would be most helpful. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Your Fellow Homesteader,
Glaseria

 

[Tabasco Jack]

http://www.gqfmfg.com/12-volt-hova-bator/1588-genesis-hova-bator/

You'll need to add the turner that has interchangeable racks. Plus purchase a thermometer/hygrometer like this one. http://incubatorwarehouse.com/incubator-remote-thermometer-hygrometer.html

My coturnix quail hatches are typically 90% or better and chickens are 80% or better.

Yes, it's a styrofoam incubator but if you take care of it, it's pretty durable.

 

[Glaseria]

So what's your options on dish washer safe plastic vs styrofoam incubators? Also what's a good bang for your buck that is pretty noob proof?

Sincerely,
Your Fellow Homesteader,
Glaseria

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