Everyone's opinions, please!

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Songster
11 Years
Nov 23, 2008
300
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In the middle of it all
I'm looking for a small incubator, one that is reliable, not too much money and will operate during a power outage. Is there a such thing as a battery operated incubator?

What do you use?

I only have room for 21 birds max, and I like to keep it around 12-16 birds to make sure they have enough room to be happy. I don't want more than six chicks a year, and I'm trying to develop my own strain.

A six-eight egg incubator less than 50 dollars and reliable is what I'm looking for, or at least something close. Any suggestions? And also, what incubator do you recommend?

Thanks! I'm thinking about getting into hatching my own chicks, and I want to give them the best start possible in life!
 
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Only reliable one that I know of that works during power outages is, a silkie hen. They are less then $50 and can hatch out 6 eggs at a time. A good broody silkie hen is worth more than any bator for ten times the money. Just because you use a silkie hen doesn't mean she has to set her own eggs. Once I know a silkie is broody I put the eggs I want her to hatch under her. Most of the time her hatch rate will be equal to or better than a bator's rate.
 
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I have to agree! You can even get two!
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one Ameracuna

its in your signature line, and if anything like mine will hatch all year long, and more eggs than a silkie. AND its nice to look at.
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There are disadvantages to hens unless they can be left undisturbed.

But they are the only ones I know of unless you have a bator with a battery backup.
 
No more than the egg you will be setting. Agree a broody hen, but I would use game hens, no better mothers. They will give their life to protect their chicks.
 
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I'd prefer my hens not commit suicide.
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Ameracunas set? Mine doesn't seem too interested, but then again, it's not normal setting time. It's still winter.

Yeah, I've heard about the Hovabator, but I'd really like to avoid buying something THAT expensive. I'm hoping my flock will become self-sufficient someday.

Anyway, thanks for the help, guys! Hopefully, I'll see this soon:

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