Brinsea Ovation 28 EX or 56 EX?

[Manhen]

While not recent it is good to read these posts, I have a 28 EX and a brooder 1200 thing on the way.

 

[Phunktacular]

This is a little off topic but, I cannot imagine paying that kind of money for an incubator that can't handle hundreds of eggs at a time. I'm building mine and spending just over $100 and will be able to hatch a couple hundred chicken eggs per week, if desired. Even more if I hatch quail eggs.

 

[Manhen]

This is a little off topic but, I cannot imagine paying that kind of money for an incubator that can't handle hundreds of eggs at a time. I'm building mine and spending just over $100 and will be able to hatch a couple hundred chicken eggs per week, if desired. Even more if I hatch quail eggs.

Let's see the pictures!

$100 is a good deal, I spent just over $500 for the incubator and warming plate for the brooder. (EDIT: I also added some spare mats and evaporator blocks) I have been able to raise 30 chicks in my brooder, a little tight but it works. So 21 days in the incubator, previous batch reaches immunosufficiency at 18 days and they go into the coop (separated by fencing) with the rest of the flock. If I upscale, doubtfule due to the divorce factor, I might try to build stuff after I have a bit of experience.

Also understand that my cost benefit analysis says "go to work, earn the money and buy it" because it's cheaper and faster. And it will work the first time meaning my meat birds will be in the pasture early...

 

[Phunktacular]

Let's see the pictures!

$100 is a good deal, I spent just over $500 for the incubator and warming plate for the brooder. I have been able to raise 30 chicks in my brooder, a little tight but it works. So 21 days in the incubator, previous batch reaches immunosufficiency at 18 days and they go into the coop (separated by fencing) with the rest of the flock. If I upscale, doubtfule due to the divorce factor, I might try to build stuff after I have a bit of experience.

Also understand that my cost benefit analysis says "go to work, earn the money and buy it" because it's cheaper and faster. And it will work the first time meaning my meat birds will be in the pasture early...

I still don't have my controller for my new incubator, so I haven't begun building it. However, I have a previous incubator that I've build. It has all features that the new one will have except a built in turner. I'm going to use it as my hatcher when the new one is finished. So, as of now, I place a little giant egg turner on a top shelf while I place baskets on the bottom to hatch.

Here is the link to my description and pictures. Oh, the coolers were free. I didn't think they would have been but, I see them quite often available for free.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/home-built-incubator.1337443/

 

[Manhen]

I still don't have my controller for my new incubator, so I haven't begun building it. However, I have a previous incubator that I've build. It has all features that the new one will have except a built in turner. I'm going to use it as my hatcher when the new one is finished. So, as of now, I place a little giant egg turner on a top shelf while I place baskets on the bottom to hatch.

Here is the link to my description and pictures. Oh, the coolers were free. I didn't think they would have been but, I see them quite often available for free.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/home-built-incubator.1337443/

Not bad at all. I suppose you could use an old refrigerator or a plywood box lined with plastic. Did you solve how to make your own egg turner?

 

[Phunktacular]

Not bad at all. I suppose you could use an old refrigerator or a plywood box lined with plastic. Did you solve how to make your own egg turner?

Yes, you can use about anything that will hold heat (a fridge or box. I've seen OSB board built boxes as cabinets) and the new controller will have the controls for the turner and I have a motor with limit switches that'll ensure it doesn't turn too far. I intend on getting tons of pictures and video recording my entire build once I get started. I'll ensure I post and link both in a thread once I'm finished. I'll have it ready before the season begins.

 

[Manhen]

And I always wonder if Matilda, a Dominique, would be my best choice....

Here is a cheaper one, albiet from Amazon. No humidity control as on most of the others on the market (except for industrials). Is it really necessary?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XX5P6VX/?tag=backy-20

 

[Phunktacular]

And I always wonder if Matilda, a Dominique, would be my best choice....

I don't know what that means. LOL..

 

[Manhen]

I don't know what that means. LOL..

Matilda is the first friendly chicken in our flock. She is a Dominique breed, which are known to be quite friendly. It is one of the breeds I am going to propagate. We are starting with 3 roosters and 8 hens. It was supposed to be 2 roos and 8 hens. Yeah.
We also have starter flocks of Welsumers, Leghorns, and soon...Blue Ameraucanas. Our flock also has a fair mix (j~50%) of hatchery choice rainbow egg basket chicks thrown in.

EIDT: Time to mix the feed....the birds want out out out

 

[Manhen]

You can always add additional containers of water if needed for more humidity just if using at hatch time make sure they have screened covers or chicks will drown. My Ovation 56 holds temp to 1(10th of a degree according to onboard display. And according to my Gqf probe thermometer its dead on accurate. The built in water reservoirs are in the floor on each end and are screened. Lifting the lid for 5 seconds to refill the water isn’t worth talking about. It came with one hatch mat. Its open faced cardboard. You can lay eggs on their side or vertically in the sleeve style egg holders. It will hold 56 hen eggs vertically but less if on their sides. It heats fairly quickly verses a styrofoam incubator. In about an hour you can set eggs. Humidity settles in about 3 hours.

How does it do operating in a cool environment? I know it says not below 59 F, but have you experienced anything in that area?