New and wadding through the plethora of forums

[ZoologicalWCC]

Please direct me to a forum or string within a form discussing the best incubator to acquire (or just send me a direct email).

We are a small zoo in Oregon and we are adding classes to our Ed-Zoo-cation Station that will offer children (and adults) the chance to incubate and hatch their own eggs (whether from their own stock, ours, or purchased eggs) under the guidance of 24hr Zoo nursery personnel. Up until now we have hatched all our eggs under our own broody hens, but adding this class to the public has added the expectations of the general public to the scenario -- and, by and large, city kids seem to have much higher artificially created expectations than country kids.

I would like to acquire the best incubator possible, without going into debt of course, that would hold a minimum of 30 chicken eggs (more would most definitely be better), with an automatic turner, heat and humidity meters, and a large viewing port. The ability to hatch small birds, such as quail, pheasant, as well as chickens, and larger birds like ducks, geese and peafowl is also desired.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated as you all have infinitely far more knowledge and hands-on experiences in this arena than I! and I'm not one for re-inventing the wheel when I can just ask for HELP

In advance - "Thank You"

Kelliee Caron, www.Chasing-Tail.com
Zoological Wildlife Conservation Center
Petting Zoo & Mobile Teaching Zoo
[email protected]
Rainier, OR. USDA, USDI, USFW, ODA, OFW

 

[dadsdeercamp]

Hi hello and

from MN. Check out the GQF incubators.

 

[stoopid]

from Long Island
Yes, waddling is a good term, there's alot of stuff here!

 

[Avalon1984]

Hello from Michigan! I agree with the GFQ incubators. They stay perfect temperature and humidty wise throughout the incubation. I love mine!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I suggest talking to your county extension agent. Odds are pretty good they will know someone that can help you with your project, whether that is expertise or equipment. What does it hurt to ask, especially when you might get an incubator for practically nothing. A lot of times the county extension agency works with schools to hatch eggs in classrooms. Note I said agency, not agent. Often the agent lines you up with an expert rather than pretending to know it all him/herself.

There are different incubators on the market, but I think you have two basic options, Genesis Hovabator or Brinsea. The Brinsea comes closer to meeting all your criteria, but it is not hard to add a hygrometer and thermometer if you need to. The turners can be purchased separately. One thing I'd add to your criteria is to get a forced air, not a still air. I think you get more consistent results with forced air, although a lot of people hatch a lot of eggs with still air incubators.

The Brinsea is easier to use because it does more things for you. It is also easier to clean because it is plastic, not styrofoam, and is generally more durable. I only hatch a couple of times a year so the Hovabator 1588 suits me well, but I think the Brinsea would be worth the extra money for your intended use.

Another thing to consider is to possibly get more than one incubator. Use one or more for the incubation phase and a different one or more as a hatcher. You don't need a turner in a hatcher and having a few extra greatly improves your flexibility.