Incubator....

[JadeFarms]

I wanted some but they're very scarce here. I had to settle for a legbar. It can be frustrating to be so far away from all the chicken action!

Does Ireland allow shipping from hatcheries?

 

[SulkyBantam]

Does Ireland allow shipping from hatcheries?

No.
I don't actually like hatcheries and the way they mass-produce chicks but I can see how time-saving they can be.

Here you have 3 options: 1), breed your own (you can get a good variety of hatching eggs), 2), get from a friend, (eg the farmer down the road etc.), 3) get from a breeder (sadly limited).

What breeds do you keep? It feel weird to ask that we've been friends for so long, but my breeds are always changing.

 

[Roo2D2]

Has anyone had experience with this?

https://www.donedeal.ie/petaccessories-for-sale/incubator/26883543

Input appreciated.

--Sulky.

@JadeFarms @Kiki @TwoCrows @Weeg @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock

I thought about that unit but went with a Little Giant. It appears that most of the cheap incubators need some adjustment. The reason I went with Little Giant is the case is made of Styrofoam. In theory Styrofoam should hold temperature better than a plastic case. This is only my 4th day using it so I don't have an opinion. What I can say is that it has a 4 degree range in temperature which fluctuates every 3 to 5 minutes. I'm a bit nervous that I have it set at 97.0 degrees when my separate thermometer reads 99 to 103 degrees. IIRC at 104 degrees the eggs will cook. I'm going to try lowering it a few degrees.

 

[SulkyBantam]

I thought about that unit but went with a Little Giant. It appears that most of the cheap incubators need some adjustment. The reason I went with Little Giant is the case is made of Styrofoam. If theory Styrofoam should hold temperature better than a plastic case. This is only my 4th day using it so I don't have an opinion. What I can say is that it has a 4 degree range in temperature which fluctuates every 3 to 5 minutes. I'm a bit nervous that I have it set at 97.0 degrees when my separate thermometer reads 99 to 103 degrees. IIRC at 104 degrees the eggs will cook. I'm going to try lowering it a few degrees.

Thanks! Good advice.

 

[007Sean]

I agree, but new ones are expensive.
I usually hatch under a broody but I'm doing a big breeding project so I wanted a backup plan- meaning ALL the equipment including heat plate, brooder etc. Whats your fave brooder plan Jade?

If you're planning on a big breeding project...you don't want to skip on a good incubator! I imagine it's expensive to get stuff shipped to Ireland but if you go 'cheap', you will regret it.

 

[JadeFarms]

No.
I don't actually like hatcheries and the way they mass-produce chicks but I can see how time-saving they can be.

Here you have 3 options: 1), breed your own (you can get a good variety of hatching eggs), 2), get from a friend, (eg the farmer down the road etc.), 3) get from a breeder (sadly limited).

What breeds do you keep? It feel weird to ask that we've been friends for so long, but my breeds are always changing.

Well the hatchery I’m talking about is a small hatchery but I love their ameraucanas. They are called deer run farm, I can go find the link.

I have ameraucanas, orpingtons, flarry eye grays, wyandottes, BJG, deleware, legbar cross, marans, sapphire gem, ameraucana mixes and a lot more but I can’t remember them all.

 

[SulkyBantam]

Well the hatchery I’m talking about is a small hatchery but I love their ameraucanas. They are called deer run farm, I can go find the link.

I have ameraucanas, orpingtons, flarry eye grays, wyandottes, BJG, deleware, legbar cross, marans, sapphire gem, ameraucana mixes and a lot more but I can’t remember them all.

Thats a lot more than me! I've Legbars, BSLs, Seramas, Polish, Silkies, Amberlinks, and Guinea-fowl.

 

[SulkyBantam]

If you're planning on a big breeding project...you don't want to skip on a good incubator! I imagine it's expensive to get stuff shipped to Ireland but if you go 'cheap', you will regret it.

I agree, you can get a fair selection here:
https://www.maceoinltd.com/incubators/small-incubators/
What would be your choice? I'm thinking Brinsea....

 

[JadeFarms]

Here’s the link Deer Run Farms

 

[SulkyBantam]

Here’s the link Deer Run Farms

Looks much nicer than the big hatcheries. Good find.