Incubators--what to look for?

[Mrs. Mucket]

We're looking at incubators with electric turners--what are the factors to consider? Fans? Electronic thermostats? Any recommendations or suggestions?

 

[shuizar209]

I turn the eggs myself for two reasons. One I feel a connection to them before theyeven hatch and two I can fit more in the bator haha.

I do not know alot about the turners and stuff so heres a bump for you and hopefully someone who does chimes in.

 

[debilorrah]

I work full time so I cannot hand turn. I have the Brinsea Octo Eco 20 and it holds 24 eggs (which keeps me from having 995,000 chicks) and is pretty much stupid proof. I love it!!!

 

[jm93030]

All depends on how much you want to spend and how much time you have to check on the incubator

Brinsea is known to be the best
But it only fits 24 chicken eggs
Hovabator Genesis 1588
Works very good too
it can hold 42 chicken eggs
with the turner

How many chicks do you plan to hatch ?


I have a Genesis 1588 with turner

 

[debilorrah]

Brinsea sells other bators that hold more but the one that holds 24 is the most popular. Its the one I have. I wish I had more room, but I also know it is just not feasible to hatch more.

 

[Mrs. Mucket]

jm--We'd like to process around 50 birds at a time. I have looked at the Hovabator 1588--looks like it would work, having fan and thermostat. With the turner it will hold 42 eggs?

I'll also check out the larger Brinsea.

 

[doxies1]

The 1588 will hold 42 and push come to shove, you can double stack some for larger capacity. Guinea fowl forum folks do it regularly.

 

[Mrs. Mucket]

Thanks for the comments--we ordered a Hovabator 1588, which seems to be the favorite among people we asked. With the turner it will hold 42 eggs. We'll be able to raise a couple of batches during our summers--meaties and layer replacements. If we have any broody hens we may get some chicks the old fashioned way too!

 

[valley ranch]

Greetings, We are using a homemade but have ordered a turner, like having a automatic transmission in the car.
Having a fan I think is another must. Well, many people do just fine without either.


Richard

 

[debilorrah]

Mrs. Mucket :

Thanks for the comments--we ordered a Hovabator 1588, which seems to be the favorite among people we asked. With the turner it will hold 42 eggs. We'll be able to raise a couple of batches during our summers--meaties and layer replacements. If we have any broody hens we may get some chicks the old fashioned way too!

Good choice!!!!​