cottonwood23
In the Brooder
We are looking for a good incubator but there are many to choose from? Any specific ones to get or to stay away from?
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I have a Hova Bator 1588 Genesis. You can get it with or without a turner. With will be less than $200. My hatch rate has been consistently in the 90s. Love it!
I have a Hova Bator 1588 Genesis. You can get it with or without a turner. With will be less than $200. My hatch rate has been consistently in the 90s. Love it!
Agreed!
The difference between a regular Hovabator, or any of the other styrobators, and a Genesis is night and day. I have one, and also a Brinsea Eco 20 and a GQF Sportsman. All 3 give great hatches and all are set and forget if you dry hatch and have enough humidity in your house. If you must add water, the small ones are a pain to fill, but other than that they are equivalent, IMO. I have 2 older styrobators and they sit unused because they are too much work to get even a mediocre hatch.
For the money, the Genesis is cheaper than the Brinsea and hold more eggs, while being just as good at hatching (but maybe not cleaning). Once you get to the point of needing multiple small incubators, the GQF Sportsman and Dickey cabinet incubators are the way to go - much cheaper and better on a per-egg basis.
I have a 1202 with an (upgraded) digital thermostat. I got it used for $450 and it has paid for itself many times over. I love it. That said, the new ones are pricey, if I couldn't find a used one for a good price I would look at Dickeys Incubators, they are essentially clones, but cheaper. They also look a little nicer and come with metal slide out trays, which are extra in the GQF's.Any specific thoughts on the GQF Sportsman? I'll be looking for a cabinet bator this summer..
I have a 1202 with an (upgraded) digital thermostat. I got it used for $450 and it has paid for itself many times over. I love it. That said, the new ones are pricey, if I couldn't find a used one for a good price I would look at Dickeys Incubators, they are essentially clones, but cheaper. They also look a little nicer and come with metal slide out trays, which are extra in the GQF's.
Watch Craigslist for used ones under $600. If you get one, message me and I'll help you get eggs trays and any parts you might need.