Help a newbie-what incubator is best?

[twigg]

Quote:
The next range up are made by Brinsea, R-Com and Lyon

Expect to pay 300 to 500 bucks for one with humidity control. More for the top of the ranges.

All have good websites and a quick Google search will yield a lot. A search here will give you member's experiences of most of them.

Personally, I would like either the R-Com Pro, or the Brinsea Octagon 20 EX.

Can't afford either

 

[chickenlisa]

Thanks all- keep 'em coming tho. I'm so confused right now. So I'd have to make a decision on which incubator, then an egg turner (do it by hand), then a thermometer/hydrometer. Anything else? I only want 1 for this Spring, that would hold up to 3 dozen or so eggs...or fewer duck eggs. My first choice is still mama broody hens/ducks doing it themselves, but if they won't set, or something goes wrong, I want to have a small 'bator here on hand. I'll look into the Genisis 1588 probably, but everyone feel free to chime in with your opinions and success or failure stories.
Thank you!
Lisa

 

[MRNpoultry]

Here is a thread I started and got alot of help on.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=37810

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I have a GQG Circulated Air Model Hova-Bator Model 1583...uses the wafers which are easier to fix if anything would go wrong...I got the turner to go with it...Love the thing... was easy to set up and hasn't given me any problems temp or humidity wise....

 

[chickenlisa]

I found this on ebay- a few of them at $105 and $106...no turners included though. Is this the one you 1588 lovers would get? Should I? And then what else (and where else would I go to get it) do I need?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=350041703630&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=022

Hope that link works
Lisa

edited to show this one too- anyone think this is a good one to buy?
http://cgi.ebay.com/TURBO-CIR-AIR-H...oryZ3211QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Katy]

I've got two 1588s and a 1590 (the older version) and I like them and have had good luck with them....especially my own eggs. Shipped eggs are a risk no matter what kind of incubator you put them in.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

If you have the time I like hand turning...3 times a day...if not you will need to get a turner that works with whatever Incubator you decide on...you will need a good thermometer/hygrometer to measure your temps and humidity levels and you will need something to candle the eggs with...I use a good small flashlight from Wal-mart.......

 

[chickenlisa]

I can easily get the flashlight and thermometer/hydrometer from Walmart or a better flashlight from our hunting store... but which bator is the one for me to buy? and is Ebay a safe enough place to buy it from? or should I go directly to the manufacturer?

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Thats up to you...I purchased mine directly from GQF Manufacturing Co. ..www.GQFmfg.com...They have the Hova-bator models, which are the 1583 and the 1588s plus alot more........ so if something went wrong you can send for parts or ship it back to them...my opinion..

 

[chickenlisa]

OK- I did it!!!!! Yay! As you can tell- I'm not a patient person, and when I want something, I have a hard time waiting. I just ordered the Hovabator Genesis 1588 and the auto turner w/ trays from GQF. I can't wait, and even if we do get a broody hen willing and able, I just may do some in the bator once it gets here. It will just be too fun and interesting to watch it all happen inside of our house! WooHooo!!!!!! Thanks to all of you who helped me out- enabled me-gave me wisdom and courage to do it. Did I say wooHoo?
Lisa

Where is GQF the company located? I didn't see it on the website.