Incubating, first hatch, inexpensive!!

[henmionegranger]

I'm looking for a good/great incubator that's inexpensive that I can use for not only my first hatch but hatches later on as well. Please give any advice you can!

 

[QueenMisha]

When it comes to incubators, the phrase "you get what you pay for" is a very apt descriptor. What you save in money you'll pay for in failed hatches and dead embryos. I have a friend who uses one of those styrobators they sell at farm stores for $60 or $70 and out of maybe 100 eggs I've seen her set, she's produced about 10 chicks.

The cheapest decent incubator would be the Brinsea Mini Eco. It runs about $100 and will last for a good long time. It's far from automatic - you will need to turn the eggs and add water by hand - but it will hold temperature and humidity with reliability. Mini Advances are even better, as they have digital controls and autoturning features, but they leave the range of inexpensive at about $180 each.

 

[MargaretYakoda]

Agreed, you do get what you pay for!

That said, if you're looking for a GOOD inexpensive incubator the Incuview is awesome. $175 for an incubator that is all automatic. http://incubatorwarehouse.com/incuview-egg-incubator.html MOST people who have them don't rely on the built in hygrometer. It's OK-ish, but you do much better with an inexpensive avian hygrometer. This one works well https://www.amazon.com/Avianweb-Digital-Thermo-Hygrometer-Black/dp/B00U2S6JSC

Brinsea is a good brand. Excellent reputation. But the Mini Eco only holds ten eggs. If you're going to be incubating more than ten you'll need either the Incuview or one of the Brinsea Octagon models, which are all much more expensive than the Incuview.

There is a thread here dedicated to the Incuview. Check it out, ask questions. It just might be the better choice for your family. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/852619/incuview-incubator

 

[henmionegranger]

Thank you both so much! And yes by inexpensive I meant less than 200$ the cheapest one I can physically go buy is 105$ but it doesn't have good reviews.

 

[MargaretYakoda]

Thank you both so much! And yes by inexpensive I meant less than 200$ the cheapest one I can physically go buy is 105$ but it doesn't have good reviews.

My opinion, in the $200 range the Incuview is absolutely your best bet.