Incubators

[lu bantam chickens]

Hello just wondering if any of you guys have ever used one of these incubators?
are they any good?

or this one

 

[chickenlittle21]

I have used incubators similar to those. I found that the second one is too low and the chicks that hatch can't stand up in it. The first one works pretty well and I like it.

 

[lu bantam chickens]

With the first one (or one like it) have you ever had to leave the lid open for 10 minutes from day 3 to lockdown day each day - to get air in - someone said on youtube - bit strange to me would the eggs not get cold
so new at anything
Did you buy a humidity tester to go inside?

 

[Yakubu linus]

I will need an incubator

 

[MGG]

I have used incubators similar to those. I found that the second one is too low and the chicks that hatch can't stand up in it. The first one works pretty well and I like it.

The Janoel (bottom one) has a hatching tray. You're supposed to put just that one in for lockdown. They can stand up just fine in it if you do that.

 

[MGG]

I have used the Janoel, and I have to say, it's not great. You would be much better off buying a Nurture Right 360, Brinsea, Hovabator, Incuview, or something similar. Those are both just cheapy chinabators that will work well for maybe a few batches, and then crap out. Someone on here even had one of the Janoels explode. You'll have to test it with at least 3 calibrated thermometers, and several salt tested hydrometers. Even then, the Janoel will only hold 6 chicken eggs in the turner, despite advertising 12. I've heard really bad things about the HHD too. If you try to go cheap on an incubator you're going to end up with something terrible. A lot of them are more expensive, but they're worth it, if you consider the multiple incubators you'll have to buy, and all of the expensive eggs it will kill.
The cooling down you're referring to; some people believe you have to stop incubation for a little while each day to mimic the hen getting off the nest. It's pointless, and there's a high risk you'll forget that you unplugged it and leave it off for too long, or someone will knock it over while it's open, or you'll drop the lid on them, etc. etc. It doesn't do anything. Leave them in as much as possible the whole time.
Good luck.

 

[shineandrise]

We have used something very similar to the Janoel... it just held more eggs. It was pretty cheap, hard to clean, hard to see into to see the eggs/chicks, and beeped randomly when the humidity and temp were fine. I suggest for the last 3 days keeping the lid COMPLETELY closed.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I have heard that plastic incubators aren't as good as Styrofoam, and cheap ones are often only good for a hatch or two. Best of luck in whatever you choose!

 

[mcdze]

sure .. i think theyre just fine for hatching a batch of eggs now and then .. if i was goingto make a hobby or business out of hatching eggs i'd want a better one, but barring that, no need to spend alot .. just get the extra gauge and keep an eye on it .. i had success the first use ..

 

[Xouie]

This poll on incubators may help you decide. If you’re looking for cheap, good capacity and reliable, the Little Giant styro bator may fill the bill.