Advice on purchasing Incubator

[rusticacres]

Hi
I am new to hatching eggs and need some advice on what brand or type of incubator to purchase.

What is your opinion on this brand?

HOVA-BATOR INCUBATOR 1602N & AUTOMATIC EGG TURNER 1611

Thanks - I need one asap - I already have some eggs.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

If you've already got eggs, I wouldn't worry about researching and waiting for everyones opinions. I would go out and buy one locally today and get it up and running, because if you dont, those eggs wont be viable.

 

[rusticacres]

Hi
Thanks for the advice. The eggs aren't actually here yet - I bought them from an individual that will be shipping soon. I am way out and not near much of anything. Do the local feed stores sell incubators that are worth anything? Our local feed stores our so old and outdated I'm afraid to buy anything other than chicken feed there.

Thanks

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Most feed stores do, although they usually carry the Little Giants.

Little Giants have a reputation for being "touchy" and tempermental. Hova-bators are probably the favorite beginners incubator, albeit a little more expensive than the LG.

I started with a Litte Giant, and highly suggest it to anyone just starting out. Because of the nature of the Little Giant, you get good hands on experience and learn how to solve incubation problems early on.

 

[Katy]

You can get Hova-bator Genesis 1588 in a few days by mail. They're a good incubator for the money...I've got 3 of them.

BYC sponser Home and Barn Basics sells them for about the best price around.

 

[UrbanMama]

For my first, I bought the Hovabator Genesis 1588 w/ autoturner. It's excellent, keeps the temp perfectly...no worries or stresses. Set it and forget it type of thing...

Well then I had to have a hatcher

(I got so addicted, I needed to be able to stagger the hatches) So my hatcher is the Hovabator 1602. Also a great bator but plan on a few days of tweaking before setting your eggs. Once it's at the right temp, it holds beautifully. (I have ordered a pc fan to put into it)

Well then, the1much was selling an LG with autoturner...so I just had to have that one so I can...well....just cuz! Not to mention the homemade bator that my daughter made and uses....

All of that to say, whatever you end up with, it's a learning experience and worth all of the ups and downs. I have to agree with Chris though..buying a still air that needs tweaking is much more hands on.

I bought both Hovabators through Home and Barn Basics (use the code byc5 and you get a discount) excellent service, great folks, very quick delivery.

Good luck with whichever bator you decide on!

 

[jimnjay]

If you are serious about hatching chicks then spend a little more up front and get the Genesis at the very least. Most people end up changing over to the electronic thermostat type eventually. They are much more reliable and only two orders of eggs that don't hatch will pay for the difference. ?The Genesid is also forced air and they are much better Rather than trying to modify the stripped down version later on do it right up front. I can't begin to tell you how disappointing it is to go 21 day with hopes of hatchinbg 12 -18 eggs and get nothing or only one to hatch.

Another option is the Brower Top Hatch, it is a different concept more durable. It makes a bit more noise and heat is controlled by a light bulf going off and on. I loved mine, but others have issues with it.

 

[Robin L]

Thank you for the post and answers I was wondering the same thing. I have birthday money burning a hole in my pocket

 

[shelleyd2008]

I have the LG still air, which I added a fan to. It takes a bit of getting used to, but most of my hatches have been at least 90%. I had a few that were flops due to not having a hatcher, but once I cleaned it and built a hatcher, I have had nothing but success with my own eggs.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

My very first bator was a hovabator 1602N. First hatch had 0% (my fault). Second batch was way way way better. Mine had no turner though.