Incubator list and questions

[horsechick]

Hi,
We are newbies and have been looking up incubators.

Is there a list anywhere, (might be a great

idea to add a page to BYC somewhere listing these!! hint hint

) and the differences.
Kind of like comsumer reports for incubators. It can REALLY become confusing searching and trying to make the best decision.
With makes, models, what they do etc...
Hova bators
1583
1588
1602
2362

GQF? little giants?

r-con
brinsea
brower
lyon

air
still air
presets
turners

There enough knowledgable folks here to make a page to refer newbies to.
Just a thought, wish I knew more to add to help but we have been searching and it can get really aggravating looking at them. You want to make a good choice but not sacrifice hatches and wasted eggs, some are so expensive, you think you found one then see something else.

About makes one crazy

Thanks, just a suggestion.
Take care all!
Ang #2

 

[jimnjay]

The only way I know of to get all the information on incubators prior to making the list you suggest is go to Cutler Phesant Supply, http://cutlersupply.com/ They have most of the incubators available on the market and give a pretty good description. Most people on the board may only have had experience with one or two different unit so it would definately have to be a joint effort.

Also the search function on this board is very good. If you put in the name of the unit you are considering and do a search, you will get lots of information from different people

 

[horsechick]

Hi,
I agree on the search here, its very good, we have used it daily to search information for incubators,

It returns a lot of posts, usually with the same questions, that's why I thought that a certain page for incubators might be a good suggestion.
So once you think you have found one, (or what we have done) we then search for it, find all the posts and end up thinking or second guessing, "well, maybe that's not a good one", for one reason or another.
So I guess we'll just have to take the plunge, try one, try another etc, etc, then maybe if I can get my oldest daughter to learn how to make a website.....we can put something together for people. I'm sure it would help out.
Sometimes too many choices isn't a good thing, haha, I sometimes wish there was door A and door B, period.
Thank you for replying,
Take care!

 

[royal ty]

there are 2 types
Still air and fan assisted
Fan Assisted is the better option as it circulates the air and maintains an even temperature

there are 3 basic types
Manuel Turning ok for a small number of eggs but turning by hand can be time consuming and needs doing at regular intervals

semi automatic better than manual as you normally just pull or push a rod to turn all your eggs at the same time but you still need to do it at regluar intervals

automatic turns egg continually all you have to remember is to switch of the turning motor after 18 days to allow the chicks to hatch

most models of incubator will de available in all of the three options but you need to remember that automatic and semi automatic types will hold fewer eggs than the manual because of the turning cradle

affraid i cannot help as to model and manufacturer as i live in the Uk and don@t know if they are the same where you are Best of Luck
Royal Ty

 

[horsechick]

wow! Thanks!
That was a big help!
Thank you!

Now Q: some are styrofoam and some plastic, does it really matter or only for cleaning purposes?
Does plastic hold up better than the styro or is it half dozen one and the other?
Thank you!

 

[jimnjay]

The hard plastic holds up much better than the foam. It depends on how much you think you might be using one. If you plan to get into hatching eggs for some time to come, then I would invest in a good incubator. Brinsea or Lyon Tx-6 or 7. These units are extreamly accurate and dependable. If you are not sure on how much you want to use the incubator then start with a good Hova Bator, foam unit. I am not sure of the number but they make one that is pre set with the turner and I have only hear very good reports on them. It allows you to hatch a good number of eggs. Personally I have never been to concerned about large numbers as my space is limited and I don't have a great outlet for selling chicks.

I recommend spending a bit more up front and get one that has an electronic thermostat. The wafer has been around for a while but there many frustrated people using them. Some work great but others do not. When you are new and inexperienced it is hard to know exactly what to expect and dealing with an unreliable and sensitive piece of equipment is very trying.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I bought an old Transparent Hen Lyons Incubator from a BYC person on the other ezboard, I know that thing has to have been made in the 60s...It is metal and glass ...I wouldn't trade it for anything...I've had 100% hatch on my eggs and 60% hatches on shipped...I did buy a new Hova Bator 1583 with picture window and turner just cause I want to hatch more chicks at a time...

with two bators going!!....

 

[NYREDS]

Here's my opinion:
An incubator is a closed environment with a heat source which is thermostatically controlled.
Units with a fan probably distribute heat more evenly and maintain more even temps.
Any one on your list will work well if you use it properly.
If you pick the one that suits your size needs and budget best, and use it according to the manufacturer's instructions you'll do fine.

This part is fact not opinion:
I now use large cabinet incubators-one to incubate & one to hatch. When I first started out [a long time age] I used still air styrofoam incubators ie: Little Giany or Hovabator and I hatched hundreds if not thousands of chicks in them.

Back to opinion:
Don't stress too much over the decision-life's too short :-]

 

[horsechick]

haha

We'll just have to take plunge.
Do we need two different ones?!, one to incubate and then move to another one at 18 days to hatch? or can you hatch them in the same one and move them to a box w/light/food/heat/etc after they hatch? (brooder box?)
THank you!

 

[jimnjay]

You can do it all in one unit. You usually only need a hatcher to accomodate staggered hatches. That gets tricky. Best to get started with your new incubator and then if you get some chickens laying eggs and you want to add some eggs each week then a hatcher is a good idea. I am watching the one I made myself right now. On day 19 and temp is holding steady.