Can anyone recommend an incubator to purchase?

[saboyd]

If so, what brand of incubator? Also, do I need to go ahead and get the one that automatically turns the eggs?

One more thing: I spoke with a gentleman in town that owned our local feedmill for ever and a day, and he told me that he had better luck (at home) by just purchasing two banny hens and they did all the "incubating" for him. He said they go broody very easy, so he just kept sticking other eggs under them...

Any thoughts on that? If so, what type of banny hen would you recommend?

Sorry about so many questions, but this is uncharted water for me!

 

[brooster]

The incubator depends on how much you want to spend. $50 or $150 or more? Hova bator genisis 1588 is good i hear.

The guy at the feedmill is smart, im with him. A banty hen will do the job, silkies are good, i really like cochins tho. Bantys are cheaper than incubators, and you usually do a better job. IT will also depend on how many eggs you want to hatch at a time. I am using a banty to hatch my show birds, that way i dont get crooked toes, i know the bantys to a better job, and they are easier, you dont need a turner, no checking temps and humidity, and if you choose her to do it you dont even need a brooder.If you get a good bator, it will do a good job too. I have a botor but prefer the natural way.

 

[panner123]

The man from the feed store was right, but I think he might have meant a silkie hen. They will hatch a golf ball given the chance. If you do use an incubator, it is best to have one with a turner. As for an incubator, it depends on how much money you want or can spend. They start off at around $100 with a turner and can run into the $1000's. It is not the incubator as much as it is the operator. Even the cheapest will give you good hatches.

 

[Wildsky]

I love the genesis (hovabator)

But really, my BO hens do a great job at hatching, and they don't want to be broody ALL the time.