Incubator recommendations?

[Stephanie739]

I have never used an incubator, very new to chickens, but I know I will be buying one in the not too distant future. My local tractor supply has one for about $50. Does anyone have favorites around that price range (or less?) Are there certain important features that I should make sure my first one includes? Thanks.

 

[Stephanie739]

It might be this at the tractor supply...the name sounds similar I think. http://www.meyerhatchery.com/produc...ators&grd_prodone_filter=PRODUCT_ID = '1602N'

 

[Stephanie739]

Has anyone used this little ?toy

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/mini_dome_incubator.html

 

[quintinp]

You are about to purchase a Little Giant incubator. I have hatched about 20 chicks in mine. I don't use it anymore though. I don't recommend it, but it works very well for a beginner. Also, I would recommend making one. I did a LOT of research, until I finally found out how to wire the incubator how I wanted it, if you need ANY help with a DIY incubator, PM me.

 

[Stephanie739]

Thanks! I will pm you. I am not in any hurry for an incubator. I'm waiting/planning to have broodies take care of things for now. I think making an incubator myself would be great.

 

[raymondjames]

NOOO!!! Don't get a Little Giant!!! (or as I call it, Egg Murderer). There was entire thread somewhere around here talking about its unstable heater and something about it's lack of heat resistance due to thin styrofoam, making it overheat sometimes and even waste energy trying to heat the inside correctly. Get a Hova-Bator, please, they work great and get it with an automatic turner, if you will..

 

[Mahonri]

Buy a Genesis 1588 Hovabator.

Miss Prissy suggested one for me over three years ago... I have never regreted it.

I do NOT suggest a Brinsea. 3 hatches ($400+) for the bator and it won't hold temp now.

If you are looking to hatch lots of chicks, get a Dickey or a 1502 Sportsman.

 

[Cynthia12]

Quote:
X2!!!! I just bought a brinsea. I am really disappointed in it. I have some eggs in it for the first time right now. I don't like the way the bars work. A hassle when it comes time to candle. I worry I am going to either leave the eggs too loose, or put the bars too tight.
My 1588..I've had a lot of great hatches. I had heard how great the Brinsea was, so decided to try it, easy clean and all. Haven't cleaned it yet, but I don't mind cleaning my 1588, no bother at all. I clean it well for the next hatch. No problems.

 

[vebyrd36]

Quote:
X2!!!! I just bought a brinsea. I am really disappointed in it. I have some eggs in it for the first time right now. I don't like the way the bars work. A hassle when it comes time to candle. I worry I am going to either leave the eggs too loose, or put the bars too tight.
My 1588..I've had a lot of great hatches. I had heard how great the Brinsea was, so decided to try it, easy clean and all. Haven't cleaned it yet, but I don't mind cleaning my 1588, no bother at all. I clean it well for the next hatch. No problems.

I would have to agree hova bators are great.......

 

[Floridachicken1958]

Here is my home made incubator But not in use anymore since I had built a mini fridge incubator.