Looking for a good incubator that's not expensive

[cottonwood23]

We are looking for a good incubator but there are many to choose from? Any specific ones to get or to stay away from?

 

[kuchchicks]

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!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I have 2 Little Giant incubators (a 9200 and a 9300). I'd recommend you steer clear. They are inexpensive, and you get what you pay for. They do their job, and I get decent hatches (most of the time), but I have to babysit them everytime I use them.

Hova Bators, Brinseas and Incuviews all have really good reviews. I'm saving up for a Brinsea myself

 

[cottonwood23]

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 heard good things about hova bater. And several others i guess i will have to save and get one of the better ones just to make it easier and less stressful

 

[dheltzel]

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.

 

[caesargirl]

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.

Any specific thoughts on the GQF Sportsman? I'll be looking for a cabinet bator this summer..

 

[dheltzel]

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.

 

[caesargirl]

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.

I'll keep an eye out, but out here in farm country, I don't see them used , very often! That being said, new or used, I need a cabinet this summer. I'm going to go look at the brand you suggested.

 

[Hufflefluff]

I'll put in my two cents
While I haven't hatched chicks before myself, and am ergo woefully unqualified to give out any advice, I have heard at least decent things about homemade bators. If you don't mind babysitting the eggs, and aren't looking to hatch huge quantities, there are some great 'how-tos' on here. Although saving to buy a good one will almost definitely be easier
Good luck!

 

[cottonwood23]

Thanks for all the good info. We will be looking very soon into getting one