Give a newbie some advice!

[Jakoda]

What can I say, chicken math has struck I'm on a list for some orps, (can't wait!) but would also love to trying hatching some eggs..

So for a complete newb, educate me I wouldn't want a HUGE bator, maybe 6-10 egg , but I would love one that would basically "do it all"..

How difficult IS IT to hatch eggs???

I'm sure it's been discussed before, but would love some advice:
Thanks
Diane

 

[ozexpat]

Depends on your budget but get a Brinsea Octa 20 Pro if you have the cash. Dont buy a mini bator unless you absolutely positively can guarantee that you wont "need" one that can hatch more than 10 eggs. Remember - shipped eggs give you about a 50% hatch rate. 8 eggs - 4 no good - 2 roosters......... Chicken math says get a bigger box.

In saying that, I use a Hovabator 1602N with a fan kit and turner. Its less than half the price. I use a good calibrated digital thermometer with remote sensor so I can keep an eye on the temps without hovering over the bator, Some people hate the styro bators, others love them. Not many hate the Brinseas.

 

[sumi]

I have a Brinsea, but I can't really tell you much about it as I'm only on day 6 of my set of eggs using this one. So far it has been good though. Temperature and humidity's fine. I read great reviews about it, I must say.

Hatching eggs is not that difficult. As long as you use proper equipment, good quality eggs and follow the guidelines reg temp and humidity.

Here's a good article on hatching that will tell you everything:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

 

[katsdar]

I have the brinsea eco 20 found on line for 113 plus shipping, of 20 bucks, then I got a hydrometer at the pet store, and did great with old eggs

 

[Sally Sunshine]

And we made our own cheap coolerbator and I wouldnt trade it for any bought model.... plus DH and Daughter made it together so its extra special!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/incubator-incubator

 

[Sally Sunshine]

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