Best low price incubator

Duckztailz1

Chirping
May 28, 2018
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So I've been going over previous threads about different types of incubators but I also know that new ones are always jumping on the market.

I want to hatch quail and I'm looking for the best cheapest incubator. Ideally I'd like to hatch 50-100 eggs.

What is everybody's opinion on styrofoam incubators?

Seems like there's a lot of cheap ones that have humidity and temperature issues.

I also feel like if I'm going to spend 200 bucks on an incubator that doesn't even works well I might as well spend 600 bucks on the cabinet incubator.

I'd also like to be able to have some Emu eggs out of it as well. Any and all suggestions welcome.

I'm not a fan of Craigslist I don't like buying people's junk. I want to be able to return it if it doesn't work properly.

Thank you
 
Before spending any money on any incubator, I suggest you do a google search for the many "how to" videos produced by Rush Lane Poultry. He provides instructions for building an incubator using the various types of thermostats that are on the market. If you could re-wire a table lamp if you had decent instructions, you can build your own incubator. Depending on the size of the bator you build, and your scrounging abilities, you can build a digital thermostat controlled, forced air bator for around $15 - 25.00. If you need a turner, you could then purchase the turner separately. However, there are also some plans for "manual" or motor controlled turners that could be used.
@Sally Sunshine also has detailed plans for bator builds with turners.
 
Before spending any money on any incubator, I suggest you do a google search for the many "how to" videos produced by Rush Lane Poultry. He provides instructions for building an incubator using the various types of thermostats that are on the market. If you could re-wire a table lamp if you had decent instructions, you can build your own incubator. Depending on the size of the bator you build, and your scrounging abilities, you can build a digital thermostat controlled, forced air bator for around $15 - 25.00. If you need a turner, you could then purchase the turner separately. However, there are also some plans for "manual" or motor controlled turners that could be used.
@Sally Sunshine also has detailed plans for bator builds with turners.

Hey thanks for the suggestion I never thought about that I'm definitely going to YouTube it and do some due diligence on it!

But I'll tell you this I built my own Duck house. I thought I'll just use the wood and different type of lumber that I have laying around and it shouldn't cost me too much. It ended up costing me about 400 bucks. It has siding, Wheels so it's mobile, even a sliding glass door for the Ducks.. you can say I went overboard. I'm actually still working on it that's how overboard i went lol. It was definitely fun building it though. I'll definitely show you guys once I'm done my my mobile duck Tractor.
 
Styrofoam box: free from local Pharmacy or pet shop. Some folks go real cheap and use nesting cardboard boxes with newspaper between boxes as insulation!
Computer fan: scavenged from an old computer.
12V telephone charger.
Piece of glass from photo frame.
Duct tape, silicone caulking compound, wire nuts, extension cord, light sockets (can be scavenged from old table lamps, or you can buy at Lowes.
Your biggest expense is going to be the thermostat, but they can be purchased for less than $15.00.
 
If I were you I would look for a used old GQF 1200 serious cabinet incubator off Craigslist. They can be had for $200-300. Every single part is replaceable and they are built to last. Also if you ever decide to get rid of it they are in very high demand. You can get most or all your money out of selling a used one...

I bought 4 GQF 1266 cabinet incubators off Craigslist and sold 2 to a friend. I've had excellent hatch rates on quail. Out of over 300 shipped eggs I've averaged a 74% hatch rate on total eggs set and a 93% hatch rate on viable eggs at lockdown. And I've never used an incubator until I bought this one.

I wanted a 1502 but I thought the price was ridiculous.... at the time. Well after owning this 20 year old incubator I can say the 1502 is worth every penny, IMO. These things are built to last and designed for continuous use.

Before stumbling onto these GQF's I was in the process of building a cabinet incubator. I was going to have over $300 in it easy, using plywood. I'm glad I found these when I did.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 1502 now, especially if I thought I was going to hatch on a semi regular basis. But even these old GQF cabinets are great if you get one for a decent price. I'm incubating 98 pheasant eggs for a friend right now. It's been over 2 weeks and the temp has been within .5 degrees and the humidity withing 2% without any adjustments....

So me personally, I would skip the homemade and the styrofoams and buy either a used GQF cabinet or a new sportsman 1502. You get what you pay for....

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