For most, incubating and hatching eggs is one of the most enjoyable (and addictive) aspects of chicken keeping. Nothing beats watching those little ones fight their way out of the eggs, after 3 weeks of fretting and fussing and watching the incubator, wondering what is going on in there.
When we asked the BYC community, “What Type of Incubator Do You Use?” the results told a fascinating story:
What does that tell us?
It tells us most backyard chicken keepers want reliability and control… but a whole lot of us still believe Mother Nature knows best.
Let’s break down each option in plain, practical terms — with real-life pros and cons — so whether you’re new to hatching or thinking of switching methods, you can decide what fits your flock and your lifestyle best.
A forced air incubator has a built-in fan that circulates warm air evenly throughout the unit. That fan is the secret sauce. It eliminates hot and cold spots and keeps temperature consistent from top to bottom.
For many of us, that consistency equals peace of mind.
Because of the fan, the temperature stays consistent throughout the incubator. You don’t have to worry about eggs near the top getting warmer than eggs near the bottom.
2. Higher Hatch Rates (When Used Correctly)
Even heat circulation often means stronger, more uniform development.
3. Digital Controls
Most store-bought forced air units come with digital thermostats and humidity readouts. Some even regulate humidity automatically.
4. Automatic Egg Turners
Many models include built-in turners, which is a back-saver and a time-saver.
5. Beginner-Friendly
Set the temperature to 99.5°F (37.5°C), monitor humidity, and you’re off to the races.
You’ll pay more upfront compared to still air or homemade models.
2. Mechanical Failure Is Possible
Fans, heating elements, and digital panels can fail. If something breaks mid-hatch, you have to act fast.
3. Less “Natural” Experience
Some folks simply prefer letting hens do what hens were designed to do.
Best For:
Anyone who wants reliable, repeatable results — especially if you’re hatching frequently or in larger batches.
A broody hen is nature’s original incubator. When a hen goes broody, her body temperature rises slightly, she stops laying eggs, and she commits to sitting — sometimes with Olympic-level dedication.
No cords. No thermostats. No humidity pans. Just a hen doing her thing.
2. Self-Regulating
She turns the eggs, adjusts humidity with her feathers, and communicates with the chicks before they hatch.
3. No Electricity Needed
Perfect for off-grid setups or during power outages.
4. Built-In Chick Raiser
The best part? She raises the chicks afterward. No brooder lamp required.
5. Lower Cost
You already own the incubator — she’s walking around your yard.
Some breeds rarely do.
2. Timing Is Unpredictable
You can’t schedule broodiness. She decides.
3. Flock Dynamics Can Be Tricky
Other hens may lay eggs in her nest or disturb her.
4. Limited Egg Capacity
Most hens can only comfortably cover 8–15 eggs.
5. Risk of Abandonment
It doesn’t happen often, but a hen can break brood and leave the eggs.
Best For:
Keepers who enjoy a natural approach, smaller hatch batches, and the joy of watching a mother hen teach her chicks how to chicken.
They’ve been around for decades and are often the entry-level incubator.
Usually cheaper than forced air models.
2. Simple Design
Fewer moving parts means fewer mechanical failures.
3. Good Learning Tool
They teach you a lot about temperature placement and egg management.
Because warm air rises, the top of the incubator can be warmer than the bottom.
2. Higher Temperature Setting Needed
You typically need to run them at about 101–102°F at the top of the eggs.
3. Manual Monitoring Required
You must be careful about thermometer placement.
4. Often Manual Turning
Many models don’t include automatic turners.
Best For:
Budget-conscious beginners willing to pay close attention and learn the nuances of incubation.
This is where creativity shines. Many backyard keepers build incubators from coolers, mini-fridges, or wooden boxes, installing light bulbs or heating elements and adding a small fan for air circulation.
You can often build one cheaper than buying a commercial unit.
2. Customizable Size
Need to hatch 50 eggs? 100? Build it bigger.
3. Deep Learning Experience
You truly understand incubation when you build the system yourself.
4. Repairable
If something fails, you know how it works — and how to fix it.
Electrical wiring and thermostat installation must be done correctly.
2. Trial and Error
Dialing in temperature and humidity can take time.
3. No Warranty
If it fails, it’s on you.
4. Inconsistent Builds
Two people building the “same” design may get very different results.
Best For:
DIY-minded homesteaders who enjoy tinkering and want full control over their setup.
This is the simplest DIY version: a container, a heat source, water for humidity, and careful monitoring.
Often built with items you already have.
2. Educational Project
Great learning experience for families or classrooms.
3. Minimal Parts
Less to break mechanically.
Without a fan, hot and cool zones form.
2. Requires Close Monitoring
You’ll be checking thermometers frequently.
3. Lower Hatch Rates if Not Managed Carefully
Precision matters, and small fluctuations can impact development.
4. More Hands-On Work
Manual turning, manual humidity adjustments, constant checking.
Best For:
Experimenters, educators, or those who enjoy hands-on, old-school methods.
Because no matter what method you use, day 21 will test you. You’ll stare at that incubator. You’ll question everything. You’ll resist the urge to open the lid.
And then — peep. A tiny crack. A wobble. And suddenly none of it matters. Not the fan, not the thermostat, not the humidity chart.
Just a damp little chick fighting its way into the world.
So whether your incubator plugs into the wall or scratches in the coop, you’re part of something timeless — the miracle of life, one egg at a time.
And honestly? That never gets old.
Which type of Incubator is your favorite? If you have any questions, feel free to ask for help in the Incubating & Hatching Eggs section of our forum.
Further Recommended Reading:
Just in case you are looking for a store-bought incubator, there are some really good ones HERE.
When we asked the BYC community, “What Type of Incubator Do You Use?” the results told a fascinating story:
- 1st Place: Store-Bought Forced Air Incubator (66.2%)
- 2nd Place: Broody Hen (45.5%)
- 3rd Place: Store-Bought Still Air Incubator (9.6%)
- 4th Place: Homemade Forced Air Incubator (6.6%)
- 5th Place: Homemade Still Air Incubator (3%)
What does that tell us?
It tells us most backyard chicken keepers want reliability and control… but a whole lot of us still believe Mother Nature knows best.
Let’s break down each option in plain, practical terms — with real-life pros and cons — so whether you’re new to hatching or thinking of switching methods, you can decide what fits your flock and your lifestyle best.
Store-Bought Forced Air Incubator (66.2%)
No surprise here — this one took first place by a landslide.A forced air incubator has a built-in fan that circulates warm air evenly throughout the unit. That fan is the secret sauce. It eliminates hot and cold spots and keeps temperature consistent from top to bottom.
For many of us, that consistency equals peace of mind.
Pros
1. More Even TemperaturesBecause of the fan, the temperature stays consistent throughout the incubator. You don’t have to worry about eggs near the top getting warmer than eggs near the bottom.
2. Higher Hatch Rates (When Used Correctly)
Even heat circulation often means stronger, more uniform development.
3. Digital Controls
Most store-bought forced air units come with digital thermostats and humidity readouts. Some even regulate humidity automatically.
4. Automatic Egg Turners
Many models include built-in turners, which is a back-saver and a time-saver.
5. Beginner-Friendly
Set the temperature to 99.5°F (37.5°C), monitor humidity, and you’re off to the races.
Cons
1. More ExpensiveYou’ll pay more upfront compared to still air or homemade models.
2. Mechanical Failure Is Possible
Fans, heating elements, and digital panels can fail. If something breaks mid-hatch, you have to act fast.
3. Less “Natural” Experience
Some folks simply prefer letting hens do what hens were designed to do.
Best For:
Anyone who wants reliable, repeatable results — especially if you’re hatching frequently or in larger batches.
Broody Hen (45.5%)
Second place, and honestly? My heart smiles at this one.A broody hen is nature’s original incubator. When a hen goes broody, her body temperature rises slightly, she stops laying eggs, and she commits to sitting — sometimes with Olympic-level dedication.
Pros
1. Completely NaturalNo cords. No thermostats. No humidity pans. Just a hen doing her thing.
2. Self-Regulating
She turns the eggs, adjusts humidity with her feathers, and communicates with the chicks before they hatch.
3. No Electricity Needed
Perfect for off-grid setups or during power outages.
4. Built-In Chick Raiser
The best part? She raises the chicks afterward. No brooder lamp required.
5. Lower Cost
You already own the incubator — she’s walking around your yard.
Cons
1. Not All Hens Go BroodySome breeds rarely do.
2. Timing Is Unpredictable
You can’t schedule broodiness. She decides.
3. Flock Dynamics Can Be Tricky
Other hens may lay eggs in her nest or disturb her.
4. Limited Egg Capacity
Most hens can only comfortably cover 8–15 eggs.
5. Risk of Abandonment
It doesn’t happen often, but a hen can break brood and leave the eggs.
Best For:
Keepers who enjoy a natural approach, smaller hatch batches, and the joy of watching a mother hen teach her chicks how to chicken.
Store-Bought Still Air Incubator (9.6%)
Still air incubators don’t have a fan. That means warm air rises and cooler air settles lower in the unit.They’ve been around for decades and are often the entry-level incubator.
Pros
1. AffordableUsually cheaper than forced air models.
2. Simple Design
Fewer moving parts means fewer mechanical failures.
3. Good Learning Tool
They teach you a lot about temperature placement and egg management.
Cons
1. Uneven TemperatureBecause warm air rises, the top of the incubator can be warmer than the bottom.
2. Higher Temperature Setting Needed
You typically need to run them at about 101–102°F at the top of the eggs.
3. Manual Monitoring Required
You must be careful about thermometer placement.
4. Often Manual Turning
Many models don’t include automatic turners.
Best For:
Budget-conscious beginners willing to pay close attention and learn the nuances of incubation.
🛠 Homemade Forced Air Incubator (6.6%)
Now we’re entering homesteader territory.This is where creativity shines. Many backyard keepers build incubators from coolers, mini-fridges, or wooden boxes, installing light bulbs or heating elements and adding a small fan for air circulation.
Pros
1. Cost SavingsYou can often build one cheaper than buying a commercial unit.
2. Customizable Size
Need to hatch 50 eggs? 100? Build it bigger.
3. Deep Learning Experience
You truly understand incubation when you build the system yourself.
4. Repairable
If something fails, you know how it works — and how to fix it.
Cons
1. Requires Technical SkillElectrical wiring and thermostat installation must be done correctly.
2. Trial and Error
Dialing in temperature and humidity can take time.
3. No Warranty
If it fails, it’s on you.
4. Inconsistent Builds
Two people building the “same” design may get very different results.
Best For:
DIY-minded homesteaders who enjoy tinkering and want full control over their setup.
Homemade Still Air Incubator (3%)
Last place — but not without its loyal fans.This is the simplest DIY version: a container, a heat source, water for humidity, and careful monitoring.
Pros
1. Very Low CostOften built with items you already have.
2. Educational Project
Great learning experience for families or classrooms.
3. Minimal Parts
Less to break mechanically.
Cons
1. Temperature StratificationWithout a fan, hot and cool zones form.
2. Requires Close Monitoring
You’ll be checking thermometers frequently.
3. Lower Hatch Rates if Not Managed Carefully
Precision matters, and small fluctuations can impact development.
4. More Hands-On Work
Manual turning, manual humidity adjustments, constant checking.
Best For:
Experimenters, educators, or those who enjoy hands-on, old-school methods.
What the Poll Really Tells Us
The clear winner — store-bought forced air incubators — shows that most BYC members value:- Predictability
- Ease of use
- Higher hatch success
- Time savings
- Many of us still love the rhythm of natural chicken keeping.
- We want reliability… but we also love watching a mama hen cluck softly to her unhatched chicks.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest answer: It depends on your goals.- If you want maximum control and consistency, go with a store-bought forced air incubator.
- If you love natural flock dynamics and don’t mind waiting for the right hen, let a broody do the work.
- If you’re budget-conscious but careful and detail-oriented, a still air model can absolutely work.
- If you’re a hands-on homesteader who loves DIY projects, build your own.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Incubator
At the end of the day, the incubator is just a tool. What really determines hatch success is:- Proper temperature
- Correct humidity
- Regular turning (until lockdown)
- Good ventilation
- Healthy, fertile eggs
Because no matter what method you use, day 21 will test you. You’ll stare at that incubator. You’ll question everything. You’ll resist the urge to open the lid.
And then — peep. A tiny crack. A wobble. And suddenly none of it matters. Not the fan, not the thermostat, not the humidity chart.
Just a damp little chick fighting its way into the world.
So whether your incubator plugs into the wall or scratches in the coop, you’re part of something timeless — the miracle of life, one egg at a time.
And honestly? That never gets old.
Which type of Incubator is your favorite? If you have any questions, feel free to ask for help in the Incubating & Hatching Eggs section of our forum.
Further Recommended Reading:
- Guide To Letting Broody Hens Hatch & Raise Chicks
- The Beginners Guide to Incubation
- Incubation Cheat Sheet
- How To Incubate & Hatch Chicken Eggs - Just 21 Days From Egg To Chicken!
Just in case you are looking for a store-bought incubator, there are some really good ones HERE.
