Hova Bators

[folgerrd]

Are the hovabators styrofoam? I had trouble figuring out the construction of them when I was in the market for an incubator, so I just went with a Brinsea. They're solid plastic which is better for me... Easier to clean and harder to break!

All the ones I've seen are. Which model of Brinsea do you have?

 

[hmmcc123]

Hello and

I too have been researching incubators and specifically the Hova bators. I actually made an excel spread sheet to compare the differences between them all (including prices and shipping) because it is difficult to tell just from the description and they all practically look the same! I'm not sure how to post that on here but if you want a copy, PM me and I will send the file to you.

The main difference with the 1602n compared to the others is that it doesn't have a fan. From the research I have done, it sounds like it is best to have a fan to help stabilize the temperatures inside the incubator. If you are handy or have someone that could help you, you could add a fan to the unit.

Heidi

 

[KLRA]

I have the Mini Eco and I love it. I originally wanted a hovabator but got so frustrated with the lack of info on their website that I went with Brinsea. It didn't dawn on me until afterward that the hovabators were styrofoam--I'd assumed they were plastic, so I would've felt kind of ripped off if I had ordered one and found out it was styrofoam when I took it out of the package! I know plenty of people love their hovabators though. It just wouldn't be a good idea for me.

The Mini is nice because it keeps my hatches small, and it's easy to tilt the lid to grab something out of the incubator or put something in without disturbing the temp and humidity hardly at all. Plus visibility is awesome! I'm really happy with it. Especially for 64.99.

All the ones I've seen are. Which model of Brinsea do you have?

 

[folgerrd]

Hello and

I too have been researching incubators and specifically the Hova bators. I actually made an excel spread sheet to compare the differences between them all (including prices and shipping) because it is difficult to tell just from the description and they all practically look the same! I'm not sure how to post that on here but if you want a copy, PM me and I will send the file to you.

The main difference with the 1602n compared to the others is that it doesn't have a fan. From the research I have done, it sounds like it is best to have a fan to help stabilize the temperatures inside the incubator. If you are handy or have someone that could help you, you could add a fan to the unit.

Heidi

That's a great idea, maybe I will make a spread sheet like that for comparison in breeds and coops and such.
I don't know to many handy people, but that's an idea to add to the list, thanks.

 

[folgerrd]

I have the Mini Eco and I love it. I originally wanted a hovabator but got so frustrated with the lack of info on their website that I went with Brinsea. It didn't dawn on me until afterward that the hovabators were styrofoam--I'd assumed they were plastic, so I would've felt kind of ripped off if I had ordered one and found out it was styrofoam when I took it out of the package! I know plenty of people love their hovabators though. It just wouldn't be a good idea for me.

The Mini is nice because it keeps my hatches small, and it's easy to tilt the lid to grab something out of the incubator or put something in without disturbing the temp and humidity hardly at all. Plus visibility is awesome! I'm really happy with it. Especially for 64.99.

I've looked at the Mini Eco, it looked good even before I knew about the two things you just mentioned, I will deff look into that one more!

 

[hmmcc123]

Hello! I recognized your avatar as I have seen a photo of your babies on Laura's CDS website and wanted to ask you if you have hatched Seramas in the Mini Eco and if so, how many serama eggs fit in the little Mini Eco? I may think about getting one of those!

Thank you!

Heidi

I have the Mini Eco and I love it. I originally wanted a hovabator but got so frustrated with the lack of info on their website that I went with Brinsea. It didn't dawn on me until afterward that the hovabators were styrofoam--I'd assumed they were plastic, so I would've felt kind of ripped off if I had ordered one and found out it was styrofoam when I took it out of the package! I know plenty of people love their hovabators though. It just wouldn't be a good idea for me.

The Mini is nice because it keeps my hatches small, and it's easy to tilt the lid to grab something out of the incubator or put something in without disturbing the temp and humidity hardly at all. Plus visibility is awesome! I'm really happy with it. Especially for 64.99.

 

[KLRA]

Hi Heidi! Yes, I have. Just hatched out my second batch yesterday in fact. I've fit at least 12 eggs in there... I think the most I put in was 14? Right now I have 10 with room for more, but I also keep a 1x3" digital thermo/hygrometer on the floor of the incubator so that limits room a little bit. Without it I could fit probably 15 or 16 eggs, depending on their size.

Quote:

Hello! I recognized your avatar as I have seen a photo of your babies on Laura's CDS website and wanted to ask you if you have hatched Seramas in the Mini Eco and if so, how many serama eggs fit in the little Mini Eco? I may think about getting one of those!

Thank you!

Heidi

 

[hmmcc123]

Cool! Thank you for the information! I am so excited to do my first hatch and even more excited that they will be CDS eggs! I am following the CDS egg thread so I will see you there. lol

Hi Heidi! Yes, I have. Just hatched out my second batch yesterday in fact. I've fit at least 12 eggs in there... I think the most I put in was 14? Right now I have 10 with room for more, but I also keep a 1x3" digital thermo/hygrometer on the floor of the incubator so that limits room a little bit. Without it I could fit probably 15 or 16 eggs, depending on their size.

Quote:

 

[chickendot]

I bought a Hovabator 1520 (?) on ebay with the fan and later ordered the egg turner also.
I loved it. My first hatch and we had 9 out of 12...the temp was very stable. I did add a drop or
2 of red dye to the water to make it easier to monitor it. Generally I found there is not a lot of
difference buying it on ebay or just going to the feed store and buying it, by the time you pay
for shipping etc. On another thread they suggested you put down a rubber shelf liner over the
wire mesh bottom and next time I will, it is very sharp and I my chicks would get stuck...
Next time I will get a humidity gauge though. Good Luck !

 

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Got my hova bator for $50 with shipping, then added a pc fan and the bolts lined up perfectly , wish i would have gotten the one with a fan though it was only $20 extra my temp varies .6 degrease from the center to the edge (the fan i have is a little noisy though..