Buying first incubator

[Jetiki]

I can't seem to be able to tell the difference between the Little Giant one they sell at Tractor Supply vs the Hova bator1602. I was planning on getting the turner with either one. I eventually want to make my own but want to start with a cheap one first.


Any ideas or know of other models in a similar price range? I don't want to go over $100 for the first one.




Karen

 

[al6517]

Well I would advise against the LG, although it may be a little cheaper $$ it is really cheap and the problems abound with this thing and you will end up spending more just to make it work. The best way to start to learn about hatching is to start with a decent bator that won't get you questioning your technics, you need to take the bator's operation out of the equasion so you can concentrate on learning to hatch. This doesn't happen with the LG because you spend all your time trying to fix it or find a way to get it to work even remotely like it's supposed to.

They have a thread going where people buy these things and try in vain to hatch with it, if you read it it's kinda funny all the wierd stuff they have to do, and all the problems to overcome, you rarely read a post there about the chicks it's all about fixing that junk pile and saving the eggs from destruction. Sorry just not a fan of this thing, sometimes cheap ain't cheap enough.

AL

 

[Jetiki]

i haven't bought anything yet, so I am all ears on options, even if it is saving a bit more $$ and waiting (ugh) a bit longer.



Karen

 

[sgtmom52]

I have a Hovabator Genesis 1588 with turner and love it. It was a little more expensive at $170 (including shipping) but to me it was worth it to get good hatches (47 of 48 on my last one). I don't have experience with the Hovabator 1602. I have an LG (with fan kit) I use as a hatcher and hate how touchy the temperature is. I would not get one that does not have forced air.

 

[al6517]

Quote:
You won't be disappointed by waiting and if you shop online like e-bay/CL or other sites you can get some really nice used ones very cheap and they will work like a dream, Just make sure it isn't an LG LOL. I want to see you have good hatches.

 

[Gracie9205]

I personally hate my Hovabator 1602! I can't get that thing to hold a steady temp to save my life. We just bought a Brinsea octagon 20 eco and an advance recently, and they are great! They should be putting out a new discount code (10% I think) on facebook on April 1st. I would spend the extra cash and go for the Brinsea Eco. It holds less, but you won't have to worry about losing them due to faulty equipment!

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
x2. I'm waiting for the new discount code on Friday to order a Brinsea Octagon 20 Advance EX. I currently have the Brinsea Mini Advance and love it. You can get the Brinsea Octagon 20 Eco for only $99 and add a turner for $49. You'd be further ahead to do that than buy one of the styrofoam incubators.

 

[92caddy]

I have tried 3 different foam bators and I couldnt get a one of them work right. I hated all 3 of them. Then I got me a redwood at a yard sale, kept it for 2 years and then finally gave it a try, I loved it. The best one I ever had. I was very lucky to find it for 60.00. I now use the foam ones as hatchers so the redwood dont get dirty from the peepers hatching in it.

I have about 8 other bators, but most of them are for looks.

Im useing a round metal one I got at a swap now. I have the redwood loaned out to friends hatching emu eggs. They hatch some for me also. I have to hand turn the eggs, but I have good results with it..


Im NOT a fan of the foam bators......................but thats me....................

 

[suburbanchickymama]

I'm incubating for the first time and here's what I decided on - http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/6ad2 - it is the same thing as the ReptiPro 5000 that retails for a ton more - http://www.reptipro.com/supplies/incubators/reptipro-5000-reptile-incubator.html - and you can get turners for it on ebay. I saw a post on here about it and you can get all the information you'd ever need by doing a search on here, including lots of input from the ReptiPro owner. I am on day 11 and so far I've only had 3 duds from 34 eggs. I have really good development and it is so exciting seeing the little guys dance around while candling!!! The incubator holds the temperature and humidity very steady though I do have to set my temp a little higher than where my actual temp at egg level is. And I don't plan on hatching a ton of eggs so I like that I'll be able to use it for other things like chilling wine or storing eggs or keeping side dishes warm on Thanksgiving! It sits on the bill desk in my kitchen and matches my stainless appliances nicely!

Here's a pic:

Good luck picking out your new incubator!