Fix hovabator or get a different (cheap) incubator?

[rcstanley]

I have a hovabator 1602n with an added egg turner and fan. I had one poor hatch with it before and one really good hatch. Last time I tried to use it, the temperature spiked to 103 and I didn't get anything from that hatch.

I'm trying to decide between getting a temperature controller (like this $30) to try to get the temperature more stable or just replacing the incubator with a low end one from amazon (like this $70). I will probably be hatching quail eggs for now, and I won't need to hatch high volume. Price-wise, the temperature controller will be cheaper, but $30 is about half way to buying one one of those cheap incubators that seem to get good reviews.

Opinions, oh wise ones of backyard chickens?

 

[redranger209]

I’m no expert on incubators because I’ve only had my cheap amazon 12 egg incubator and a failed homemade one, but my magicfly incubator usually gets me bout 80 to 90 percent hatched, so I recommend it to everybody!

 

[oregonkat]

Is your 1602 new? If so, or within a year, contact the company where you got it and complain. I have found that they are pretty good about fixing newer incubators within the warranty period. Good luck!

 

[rcstanley]

Unfortunately, it's several years old. Otherwise, that's a great idea.