luvchicken+twilight :
I am looking to buy a Hova Bator incubator. I was wondering what the best Hova Bator incubator to buy is and which one has the most hatch rates. I would also buy the Hova Bator automatic egg turner.
Also, what's the difference between a still air, thermal air, and circulated air incubator?
Any incubator advice/hatching tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
The Genesis 1588 is the flag-ship of the Hovabator models. Electronic thermostat, supposedly rock solid performance. Optional egg turner is a great choice.
Still air and thermal air are the same...no fan, air stagnates into layers, can result in un-even temperatures, hot spots, cold spots, BUT....many birds have been hatched in them.
Circulated air is fan forced air circulation...gives a more even temperature throughout the incubator, fewer hot/cold spots. Much better than still-air. I have read on occasion that a still-air is good for *hatching*...not to be confused with incubating.
TIPS: Temperature and humidity are the two most important factors and are more or less totally controlled by you. Do not use the thermometer that comes with the incubator...very unreliable. If you purchase a digital themometer/hygrometer unit from Wallyworld you need to compare it to a known precise thermometer such as a medical thermometer. The hygrometer part also should be calibrated. Or, as for as temperature is concerned, you could purchase a Spot-Check thermometer from
www.cutlersupply.com ....it's known for having good precision. Whatever the case, other than fertility and viabiltiy of the eggs, temperature and humidity will be the major factors in a good or bad hatch.
Best wishes,
Ed
