Best incubator?

[audy5000g]

I have a big styrofoam one with a large window. Got from McMurray hatchery in 2011. Used one time and chord went bad.

Just got new chord cause my son wants to try his hand at hatching.

Which type kind or brand do you feel gives the best hatch rates??

 

[Egghead_Jr]

The quality of egg being set will change results. Temperature, turning and humidity in that order are also important. You'll note nowhere was a type of incubator listed. It doesn't matter. From homemade to $200 Brinsea the hatch rate can be equally poor to perfect.

That said the incubator must hold temp. I'm a huge fan of the wafer thermostat. Reason being it's infallible and near impossible to break. If you manage to break the seal on wafer and release the gas then replacements are inexpensive and simple to install. Electronic gizmos don't last, my preference is simple mechanical. The problem with metal wafer thermostats is the metal needs time to flex and limber up. From experience I know this so monitor temp closely fist week of first hatch of the year. It doesn't change much but does indeed change due to the gas filled metal expanding easier the temp will steadily go down over period of days. Once limber they are steady as a rock. I also prefer a fan model but there is nothing wrong with still air if you know to incubate 101-102 F measured at top level of eggs. Turning? highly recommend an auto turner. Don't care what brand. Mines a Little Giant and used in my HovaBator incubator with picture window.

The best incubator is one that allows me to get the job done. No bells and whistles, no sticker shock. Most bells and whistles, built in temp and hygrometer gauge, are inaccurate. Cheap small combo unit from Walmart for reference of temp and when calibrated with salt test reads true RH is all a person needs. To calibrate temp and dial in incubator use an oral thermometer.

 

[audy5000g]

Great info. Thanks

 

[audy5000g]

I ended up ordering the Genesis. I already know how to use it because I have the older one. So I figured I may as well go with what's more comfortable!