Brinsea Ovation 56 EX Fully Automatic

[410farmer]

Is it worth that 500 dollar price tag. After reading reviews on incubators in the 100-200 range the temp swings and overall issues are turning me off from buying my next incubator. Right now I have an old janoel incubator and want to get away from cheapo incubators that I have to babysit

 

[MGG]

Is it worth that 500 dollar price tag. After reading reviews on incubators in the 100-200 range the temp swings and overall issues are turning me off from buying my next incubator. Right now I have an old janoel incubator and want to get away from cheapo incubators that I have to babysit

I would (I just did) go with the NR 360. I can't say enough good things about it. It is the perfect incubator. It holds temp so perfectly and the humidity stays steady too. All I do is candle and add water every few days. I got mine new at the local feed store for $140. The price is insanely reasonable. I've never had brinseas, but I never will since I've already found the perfect incubator. I also used to have a Janoel. I am so glad I switched. The clear window and auto turn is amazing. So far out of 3 hatches in it I've had 100% hatch rates each time. Here's a pic. I added "handles" on the sides since that's the only flaw.
The handle.

The incubator. (Currently I'm incubating bobwhites in it)

 

[410farmer]

How many quail eggs can you put in there. Sounds and looks great

 

[MGG]

How many quail eggs can you put in there. Sounds and looks great

I personally would only do 22 just to be safe, and because I'm only hatching on a small scale. But I think you can put 2 in each egg slot, which since there's 22 slots if you double it you can fit 44 quail eggs. Here's a pic, I put in 2 in each slot for a minute for a visual. It turned ok too. You have to watch that the eggs don't get tipped up though.
2 in each slot versus 1 in each slot.

 

[SpicyDill]

My friend went with the NR360 and is very happy with it so far. It is extremely popular in the hatching groups that I'm in on FB, and has an excellent price point.

That said, I've been using a cheapie incubator and I'm tired of constantly having to babysit, and the total automation of the Ovation EX was extremely appealing. I have to adjust the humidity in my current incubator multiple times a day, and the EX handling everything on its own (except for reservoir refills) is great. I also like that it can be used for multiple types of fowl very easily (I ordered large egg trays for it, as well, so I can incubate turkey eggs). The capacity is also nice; even if my hatches won't always be that large, it's good to have the option.

One of the biggest things for me is that the Brinsea will allow me to keep my eggs pointy side down/air cell up, which is important when working with shipped eggs. There are workarounds you can use with a side-laying incubator like the NR360 (or my current incubator) but it's nice not having to cut up egg cartons to make it work.