Incubator recommendations.

[Saris]

I'm hoping to hatch some eggs around Feb. or March next year and I'm looking into what kind of Incubator would be good. I'm thinking the IncuView, but I don't know if it would be good for a first timer. I also don't know much about any other incubators and I'm looking for advice.

 

[MyPetChicken]

Incubators are one of those items that everyone has an opinion about. A lot of the decision needs to be based on how often you will incubate and how many you will want to hatch at a time.

Personally, I think that the Genesis 1588 is idea for everyone. You can hatch as many as 42 and as few as 2 at a time. There are not settings to adjust or any complications. You plug it in, put the eggs in, and let her work. I have 2 in addition to my cabinet incubators and love them both.


Alex

 

[Saris]

I'm hoping to start out with 1 to 2 hatches of 30 - 40 eggs or so. I'm trying to account for things going wrong since it's my first time and I know hatching can be iffy even if all the eggs start developing and I hope to end up with at least 20 chicks at a time.

The incubator will be in my bedroom closet so it being quiet would be awesome, though I may set it up in my root cellar (that's where I brooded my chicks this year)

Once I feel more confident in my abilities I may increase to having more hatches or using less eggs, it's just a hobby and I don't plan on turning it into a business or anything, just something for my kids and I to enjoy the babies chicks and so I have the skills should I choose to buy some special chickens.

Another reason I came on here is attempting to google incubators had very narrow results and I know there have to be more options than the clear and yellow plastic ones that keep coming up.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Incubators are one of those items that everyone has an opinion about. A lot of the decision needs to be based on how often you will incubate and how many you will want to hatch at a time.

Personally, I think that the Genesis 1588 is idea for everyone. You can hatch as many as 42 and as few as 2 at a time. There are not settings to adjust or any complications. You plug it in, put the eggs in, and let her work. I have 2 in addition to my cabinet incubators and love them both.


Alex

I agree. Unless you have the funds for a Brinsea, go with Hovabator. The 1588 has a nice viewing window. Just DON'T buy the Little Giant 9300.

 

[annmarie33]

I am just starting out and got the 1588 and it was easy to put together and so far I like it. I'm having to regulate the humidity more then it says but it's probably since it's by windows even though I have closed blinds. I bet in a darker room with no windows I wouldn't have to put more water in every other day. I would get the egg turner with it. I think it was around $200 all together. I really wanted the glass one but it was more then I wanted to spend.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I am just starting out and got the 1588 and it was easy to put together and so far I like it. I'm having to regulate the humidity more then it says but it's probably since it's by windows even though I have closed blinds. I bet in a darker room with no windows I wouldn't have to put more water in every other day. I would get the egg turner with it. I think it was around $200 all together. I really wanted the glass one but it was more then I wanted to spend.

As long as my bator runs above 25% dry, I run dry. I don't even mess with water. If it doesn't stay above 25% I wet a sponge and that holds it right at 30% which is what I find works best. I also prefer to hand turn. I have the turner and switched to hand turning on my 3rd hatch.

 

[MeepBeep]

If you are mechanically inclined, don't rule out the option of building your own... You can build a very reliable incubator on the cheap, and since you are not doing anything until next year you have the time to build. tweak and test...

 

[Saris]

If you are mechanically inclined, don't rule out the option of building your own... You can build a very reliable incubator on the cheap, and since you are not doing anything until next year you have the time to build. tweak and test...

I am not mechanically inclined and my husband who is is going to be busy with school and doesn't want to build this year. It may be a project for next summer once he is done with college. Building would be my preferred option otherwise.

I agree. Unless you have the funds for a Brinsea, go with Hovabator. The 1588 has a nice viewing window. Just DON'T buy the Little Giant 9300.

My husband and I had the same response when we Googled a Brinsea, it wasn't pretty. I'm thinking the 1588 or the incuview since they both work out to around $200 which is my max budget.