Anyone try one of the small Brinsea bators

[osagebill88]

I am pretty small scale but enjoy hatching ever-so-often. I had a Styrofoam hova bator with all the bells and whistles but found it hard to control the temp and would like something a little less hands on. I was checking out the mypetchicken site (love that site) and came across the small Brinsea bators. I am more interested in the $149.00 version because of the auto turn. But they have another same size for 79 without the turn (and few other options I am sure).

If you have had some experience with the small Brinsea could you please tell me what you thought/think of it? Is it reliable and easy to use? Most of all is it worth the cash and that much better than a hova with the fan and auto turner (for those who have had both). Is there another bator with a comparable price you would recommend over the Brinsea? Could not locate a feedback page so I am hoping you guys can help me make this decision...thanks, Billy

 

[Wynette]

Hi, Billy! I've been wondering myself about that cute little thing!

I have a Brinsea Octogon 20, and I have to say, I LOVE it! I have friends with styro models, and it seems my Brinsea holds temp and humidity much more consantly than theirs do. I only have to add water about every 5-6 days...it's incredible. The fact that it's digital, I believe makes it more accurate, but I'm not completely sure on that. The biggest drawback is that my bator is VERY small. I hatch in cartons, and when the chicks hatch, their heads are veryc close to the top. There's not much room for them in the bator, either. But, overall, I think it's a phenominal incubator.

Sidebar: I didn't have the $350 for a new one, so I called the manufacturer (they're in Florida) and asked if they ever had "scratch & dent" models; sure enough, they do. I ended up getting mine for $250, with a full warranty. It's got a scratch in the lid, but I wasn't concerned about that.

 

[osagebill88]

That is best strategical information I have ever read about buying a bator. I have never thought to call and ask for one with a blemish or 2. Very cool.

I have had some very good hatches with my hova in the past. But being made of Styrofoam the thing just is not built to hold up. No way would it have ever worked had I not shut it in a room by itself either. A lower end incubator gave me even more admiration for my little silkie hen and her excellent hatch rates lol.

 

[danaljamat]

I have borrowed a Brinsea octagon 20 with turner. I am new to chickens and have hatched two batches out. I must say that this incubator is easy. As the previous poster says, it holds its temp beautifully. In fact, once I had it set, it didn't waver at all. I must say it is really easy to use. I hatched one set on their sides, and one in cartons and I must say, that my next lot will be done on their sides. Much easier.
Hope that helps
Mandy

 

[insiderart]

I have the Brinsea Octo Eco and I'm very happy with it, I do wish I had sprung for the auto turner however.

But then I've had no trouble with my genesis 1588 either.