Appropriate incubator for my needs- newbie

[farmgurl123]

Im looking to purchase my first incubator so that I can familiarize myself with it before attempting to hatch eggs. I'm building the coop soon as well and would love any suggestions regarding lay boxes etc. I do have experience with lay hens and meat kings but none with regard to hatching,etc. Im currently looking at purchasing some grey Jersey giant chicks, and then incubating eggs once the hens mature etc. My first preference was lavender orpington but I don't seem to be able to find them Anyhow, getting back on topic, whats the best incubator for my needs? I would like to be able to go away on a weekend if necessary and not have to worry about having someone come put water in the incubator, is this possible to find one that holds a 3-5 day supply of water?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Im looking to purchase my first incubator so that I can familiarize myself with it before attempting to hatch eggs. I'm building the coop soon as well and would love any suggestions regarding lay boxes etc. I do have experience with lay hens and meat kings but none with regard to hatching,etc. Im currently looking at purchasing some grey Jersey giant chicks, and then incubating eggs once the hens mature etc. My first preference was lavender orpington but I don't seem to be able to find them Anyhow, getting back on topic, whats the best incubator for my needs? I would like to be able to go away on a weekend if necessary and not have to worry about having someone come put water in the incubator, is this possible to find one that holds a 3-5 day supply of water?

If money is not an issue, Brinsea with the humidity pump sounds up your alley.

If you are on a tighter budget, Hovabator (the 1588 is popular right now) with the auto turner would also work well. Many of us actually use a low humidity incubation method, often called "dry" incubation and don't even add water if the incubator has decent levels dry. (more on that here: http://letsraisechickens.weebly.com...anuals-understanding-and-controlling-humidity ) Even if you were to fill the water before a 2-3 day trip and came back to lower humidity, it would not hurt the eggs. (As long as it's temp controlled.)

I will say you want to stay away from the tractor supply incubators. Any incubator can produce a good hatch with enough work, but the Little Giants and Farm Innovators take more work, dedication and monitoring than most people want to have to deal with.

Another brand worth mentioning (but a little pricey like Brinsea) is the R-Com incubators.

 

[farmgurl123]

Thank you !

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

I agree with Amy, Brinsea do a model that is totally set and forget. I have the octagon advance with pump and turning cradle. You really don't have to do anything. I top the water tank up under the pump and that's about it. I'd be more than happy to go away for a weekend and leave it. It's a good reliable incubator and requires no babysitting.