Fully automatic incubator

[SFBayArea]

Guys, I am looking for my first incubator. I would like to get one that is not too big, one that can fit maybe 20-40 quail eggs, 12-20 chicken eggs.
However, I want one that is automatic, with egg turning and humidity controlling.
There are plenty on ebay and amazon, but some are good for chicken eggs and not so good for quail eggs. I want one that would work good for either size of egg to turn them automatically, etc.
I also seen some very expensive ones like $500, I think that is way out of my budget. Something in $100s to $150 is what I would like to spend if possible.

What can you suggest?

Thank you.

 

[Nabiki]

Check out Borotto incubators. They're very good.

 

[muddy75]

While borotto and brinsea are the better brands, they come with a higher price tag. Little giant and hovabators can be good as well and upgrades available for quail egg turners. The janoelle 12 is a great starter unit but only holds up to 24 quail eggs. The NR 360 is another good, relatively affordable incubator and there are 3D printed quail size turners available

 

[muddy75]

While borotto and brinsea are the better brands, they come with a higher price tag. Little giant and hovabators can be good as well and upgrades available for quail egg turners. The janoelle 12 is a great starter unit but only holds up to 24 quail eggs. The NR 360 is another good, relatively affordable incubator and there are 3D printed quail size turners available

Hatching can become very addictive so I would recommend considering larger capacity and/or investing in better brand or upgradeable unit vs wasting money on cheap knock-offs

 

[SFBayArea]

Wow, Borotto and Brinsea are super expensive. I understand you get what you pay for.
However, are we talking about between 99% success rate vs like 90% success rate from cheaper incubators? If that is the case, I can't seem to justify over $300 for a system that hatches 12 eggs.

 

[muddy75]

These are going to be your best $150 and under options IMO
The janoel 24 should hold 30-44 quail eggs while the 12 holds up to 18-24
And the NR 360

 

[LapisLazuli]

NurtureRight 360

 

[SFBayArea]

Thank you and I was actually looking at exactly same incubators. However, it seems that the auto turning does not really work well for quail eggs in either one of these machines.

 

[muddy75]

Thank you and I was actually looking at exactly same incubators. However, it seems that the auto turning does not really work well for quail eggs in either one of these machines.

As stated, NR 360 has quail egg turners available from private sellers
I have never had any issues with turner in my janoel and I’ve hatched hundreds of eggs quail, pheasant, and chicken in it over last 4 years

 

[TasBird]

Look locally for second hand incubators. I got a Borotto Lumia 16 from someone on Gumtree, it cost me $250.

It holds up to 64 quail eggs in the tray. I hatched my first lot over the weekend and had 8 out of 9 survive (number 9 almost did, long story).

It has two "feet" to fill up with water for humidity control. Auto egg turning at random times.


If I didn't find this one I would have gotten one of the Brinsea incubators.

I know a few people here that use the cheap ones off Amazon and eBay and swear to them, but I wouldn't touch them with a 10ft pole.

The poultry shop here swears up and down on Brinsea and said they used to like Borotto but they changed something in their newer products and they don't stock them any more.