Can anyone give + or - feedback on hovabator incubators

[nittanyxi]

I have a Model 1602N Hovabator that is an absolute nightmare to regulate a temp on. Without any major change in the temperature in the room that the incubator sits I have to constantly adjust the thermostat to maintian an acceptable incubating temp. It's a still air with no fan so I expect some fluxuations but I can't be around to check on it 24/7. are they all like this or do I have a bad one?

 

[harryg6167]

The first time I used my hovabator I all but swore that I would never use it again. I think that I even swore at the hovabator a few times also. I had problems regulating the temp somewhat but keeping the humidity where I needed it drove me crazy.
I have quite a few eggs incubating right now so decided to use the hovabator to incubate some duck eggs and this time it is working perfectly fine.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Check your wafer. Could be factory defect if it isn't holding temp. It would be under warranty.

 

[ra]

Mine did great on my first set, this time I feel like I have to keep a little closer eye on it. I have two of the 1602N. My eggs this time are doing well except for one shipped dozen

I have only 1 out of that dozen developing.The others in there are all embryos.

 

[Delighted]

I have a Hovabator, too--I don't know what model, but it's a still air. I have all sorts of trouble regulating the temp also--and i don't open it very often except when the thermometer falls between the eggs. Pain in the hiney!

 

[nittanyxi]

thanks guys.

 

[EweSheep]

I've got a Hovabator Genesis and it is a wonderful incubator. Never had any issues with it. Still air is a bit tricky and that is why I would stick with electronic heating than wafer heating elements.

 

[Vnctan]

I have a Hovabator forced-air and it maintains a constand 100 F and the humidity is so easy to control. If it is too humid I just open both vents and it lowers right away and to the correct range as well. Its a great incubator.

 

[darbella]

I recently posted my frustrations with the LG and Hovabator 1602 (with fan) and the constant temp spikes and drops. The Hovabator seems a bit more steady. I got the Genesis Hovabator last week, factory pre-set with fan and after an hour it had maintained a steady temp so I put the eggs in it and it is still going at an even 99 degrees. Everyone I know swears by it, so I will see if these eggs manage to hatch because I cannot believe the hundreds of dollars I have spent on eggs only to have them quit, shrink wrap, or be murdered by an unsatable heating element. This is my last shot. If this bator works out, i will be definitely getting another one.
ETA: Not to mention that over the winter my hens were laying in the doghouse and one hen went broody for a couple weeks, then was getting off and on the nest again, then last weekend, out she comes with 6 little chickees behind her! I think there should be a market to buy broody hens! LOL

 

[The Egg Bandit]

I got my Hovabator Genesis for Christmas. Four hatches through it with a 90% hatch rate. A delightful machine. The only problem I have had is setting too many eggs. That results in too many chicks. I never thought I'd say that. Too many chicks? Yep.