Incubator advice needed

[Louise Waffles]

I need an incubator, for small batches of eggs, that is inexpensive and reliable. I would not want to have to turn the eggs myself, because human error and sometimes I have to be gone for 16 hour days. I don't even know how often one would turn them. Anyway, want to hatch some eggs from a favorite chicken while she is still laying, and maybe just to make my own chickens in the future instead of buying from hatcheries. Any recommendations?

 

[Pyxis]

How few a number of eggs do you want to hatch? If you really mean very small batches, then the Brinsea Minis are a good fit for what you want. They are pretty pricey though for such a small number of eggs. If you're okay with a larger incubator, the Incuview from Incubator Warehouse will do all you want in an incubator.

 

[3riverschick]

Have you considered looking for a custom incubation service ? usually they charge $0.50 an egg to set them and another $0.50 egg for every chick that hatches. that's only a dollar each to get your chicks hatched. that's pretty good.
Best,
Karen

 

[Louise Waffles]

I see a fine opportunity to employ chicken math if I buy an incubator. "This thing must pay for itself, I must hatch more chicks"

If there was an incubator service local, I would go for it. I'm afraid to ship. Broken eggs, etc. And I want to know for sure it's Dorothy Parker's egg that I hatched.

I caught my precious girl laying an egg day before yesterday. They are few and far between, and she is the very best girl. I thought she had completely stopped laying. Anyway, looks like I'll spring for a $120 incubator. Thanks for the advice, @Pyxis & @3riverschick

 

[Louise Waffles]

Haha! I will just use my muscovies!