best hatch rate: incubator or sitting hen?

[technodoll]

Just wondering what your opinions and thoughts are on this:

Does an incubator do a better job at hatching fertilized eggs than a broody (sitting) hen?

Does a hen know the "right" time to turn eggs and keep them at the right temp to maximize chick development and successful hatching?

Seems to me that nature would know better than advanced technology and machines but I'd still love to hear what your experiences have been like!

 

[Mahonri]

Hens have to do a better job.... but there isn't a hen as big as a Dickey or a Sportsman...

But I hear Brinsea is coming out with a new "contact" incubator that simulates the hen

 

[Marlinchaser]

I think a unbothered hen would do best, under Ideal situation, but lots of things can throw them off. If not seperated other hens may bully thier way onto the nest, then leave it unattended after laying thier egg, I have had hens leave nest then decide to go back to a different nest box, etc.... then again with incubator if you loose power, someone accidentally unplugs etc...

 

[technodoll]

Of course I mean if the hen was in an ideal situation (secluded, safe nest with warm ambient air, no distractions, plenty of food and water, etc).

I do see the advantages to an incubator (no waiting for hen to go broody, you can set many eggs, etc) but head-to-head comparison is what I'm curious about - thanks for your comments!

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
Then I would vote for the hen.

 

[neferset]

Hen. In the warm spring months, we get our highest hatch rates from undisturbed broody hens.

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
It's available now! http://www.brinsea.com/products/z6.htm And, it's only $3,995.00

 

[technodoll]

I think all I can ever afford is a broody hen, LOL!

 

[The Sheriff]

OOps

 

[Chic Chick]

Quote:
LOL then get yourself a few silkies hens and they will do the job for you. I have a 7 month old silkie thats sitting on a nest due to hatch at Christmas