Better incubator

[Mogul Moonshine]

I am a new member here, but i have been a lurker for awhile. I am trying to find a good reliable incubator and I have it narrowed down to Harris Farms Nurture Right Incubator | 360 Degree & View or the 48 Eggs Incubator Digital Clear Poultry Hatching Machine, Automatic Egg Turning, Temperature & Humidity Control, LED Screen, Universal Incubator Egg Candler for Chickens Ducks Birds (80W). Do any of you have any tips.

 

[MGG]

I am a new member here, but i have been a lurker for awhile. I am trying to find a good reliable incubator and I have it narrowed down to Harris Farms Nurture Right Incubator | 360 Degree & View or the 48 Eggs Incubator Digital Clear Poultry Hatching Machine, Automatic Egg Turning, Temperature & Humidity Control, LED Screen, Universal Incubator Egg Candler for Chickens Ducks Birds (80W). Do any of you have any tips.

Welcome! The NR 360 is going to be the best one. I have one and it is incredible. It's also the best for the price. Mine is super reliable. I've left it for 2 days at a time unattended (unexpected trips) and it held perfectly steady. It's excellent. I'd trust mine with the rarest of eggs.

 

[Mogul Moonshine]

thank you so much

 

[MGG]

thank you so much

You're welcome! What breeds are you wanting to hatch? Quail can be a bit harder in the NR since there's only the one tray, and quail eggs are a bit too small for the tray. Chickens are excellent in it, some duck eggs are a bit big for the turner, and goose eggs are too big.
Also, make sure that whatever thermometer you buy, you also calibrate it. Calibrating is simple, but must be done. I would also reccomend salt testing a hydrometer to check the humidity. The built in thermometer and hydrometer are not always accurate.
Good luck! If you have any more questions let me know. Someone will be able to help.

 

[Mogul Moonshine]

mostly batams but other chickens too and mabey call ducks

 

[MGG]

mostly batams but other chickens too and mabey call ducks

Those would all be perfectly sized.

 

[TJAnonymous]

Also, make sure that whatever thermometer you buy, you also calibrate it. Calibrating is simple, but must be done. I would also recommend salt testing a hydrometer to check the humidity.

I'm looking at the same incubator as the OP. Was waiting to see if it goes on sale for Black Friday..ha ha. But I'm curious about your comments here.

How do you calibrate the thermometer?

And what do you mean by "salt testing a hydrometer"?

Sorry for the dumb questions....

 

[MGG]

I'm looking at the same incubator as the OP. Was waiting to see if it goes on sale for Black Friday..ha ha. But I'm curious about your comments here.

How do you calibrate the thermometer?

And what do you mean by "salt testing a hydrometer"?

Sorry for the dumb questions....

It's ok!
To calibrate, I put mine in sealed Ziploc bags, and submerge them in a tall cup mostly full of crushed ice and a bit of cold water. Not much water though. Give them at least 10 minutes, check, and if at 32 degrees you can take them out. If not, leave them longer. 30 minutes at most. If they won't go down to 32 try the ice bath again. If it won't go to 32 I'd discontinue using it. Only use ones that go down to 32.
To salt test a hydrometer, read this article. They explain it better than me, lol. It has good thermometer calibrating techniques too. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...incubator-thermometers-and-hygrometers.73634/
Hopefully this helps. Is the NR 360 the one you are interested in? Mine is wonderful. I was honestly a little skeptical at first because my previous incubator was nothing like the NR, but I have no complaints. It's such an easy incubator, it has a really good size capacity for "hobby hatchers", and it auto turns. The huge window is a big plus too. And for the price, it's a really good deal.

 

[TJAnonymous]

Thank you! Yes, I am going to buy the NR 360. I was just going to wait until Black Friday to see if the price changes...but I will buy it regardless. It will be my first incubator. I have waffled on buying one and in the past decided to simply order live chicks instead. But now I have a decent sized flock of 30 hens and 3 roosters. I really want more Rhode Island Reds... They currently account for 10 of my hens. I was hoping to put some eggs under one of two broody hens I have, but one of them was killed this summer by a fox. Rather than put all my hopes on the only broody girl I have left, I figured it just makes more sense to get an incubator now... I am toying with the idea of picking up some Silkies this spring and see if they will sit eggs for me late next year.

 

[MGG]

Thank you! Yes, I am going to buy the NR 360. I was just going to wait until Black Friday to see if the price changes...but I will buy it regardless. It will be my first incubator. I have waffled on buying one and in the past decided to simply order live chicks instead. But now I have a decent sized flock of 30 hens and 3 roosters. I really want more Rhode Island Reds... They currently account for 10 of my hens. I was hoping to put some eggs under one of two broody hens I have, but one of them was killed this summer by a fox. Rather than put all my hopes on the only broody girl I have left, I figured it just makes more sense to get an incubator now... I am toying with the idea of picking up some Silkies this spring and see if they will sit eggs for me late next year.

I'm not sure if it'll change or not. If it does, I may have to go but another... Lol!
RIRs are a beautiful breed. I'm sorry you lost one to a fox. Incubating is definitely easier than relying on a hen's hormones, lol. It's a fun experience! Good luck, and if you need any help along the way we'll be here!