First Incubator- Hova Bator 1602n

[SequoiaBaby7]

I just bought my first incubator that is a hovabator 1602n I got it used for $15 and it came with no additional accessories. You can tell it was well loved because there are a few dents and scratches here and there. But it is not in too poor of shap and I just did a test run yesterday and get it set to 100 degrees.

I plan on buying a few extra things for it including an egg turner and the incutherm plus thermometer. I know there is a fan kit that I could get as well but I don't want to invest too much money on a used incubator. This is more for me to get my feet wet when it comes to hatching my own eggs, then I would like to upgrade to a nicer model that will fit my needs. Are there any other accessories that you think that I absolutely need? Is the fan kit really necessary?

 

[CuzChickens]

Congrats on your new incubator, and welcome to the world of hatch-a-holicism!

I have not owned a hovabator, but I have used a Styrobator, and used it without the fan kit. You will probably get better hatch rates with the fan kit, as it will prevent hot and cold patches, but I got a 60% hatch without the fan kit, so it is possible. I would try you first hatch without the fan kit and see what your results are. If you feel like it would be worth it for the extra chicks hatched, then buy the fan kit.

 

[Lauren Kim]

I do not think that the fan kit will be necessary. Baby chicks can dry off by their own in one hour.

 

[CuzChickens]

I do not think that the fan kit will be necessary. Baby chicks can dry off by their own in one hour.

The fan kit isn't for drying the chicks as much as it is for circulating the air during the incubation stage to keep hot and cold spots from killing embryos.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I'll be setting shipped eggs in my 1602N tomorrow. I haven't used it in ages because I've been buying chicks and letting broody hens hatch my eggs. I have two broody girls right now so they will get 3 each of the 12 eggs and the bator will get the other 6.

In the past I've used my automatic egg turner and had success with it because otherwise I'd forget to turn the eggs. Mine does not have a fan kit and I haven't felt it necessary since I only hatch under 12 eggs usually and am able to keep temperatures fairly consistent. I do recommend getting thermometer that also reads humidity levels because the humidity is just as important as temps.

Have fun hatching!

 

[Stuckinlove]

Good luck!!