New Genesis Hova-Bator model #1588 or Brinsea Mini Advance Automatic?

[rancher hicks]

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Personally I wouldn't mind just 7 as I have only one marans hen who lays nice dark eggs so it would take me a week to collect 7 eggs. Also I have a limit of how many chickens I can't reasonably take care of (30). So if I want to replace any of them it would only be a few. At this time I'm looking to replace 4 Del hens whose age I don't know. And probably the roo too.

I am curious as to what anyone would do with 40 chicks.
In my case I would rather have 30 well cared for birds than 50 neglected. Not that I'm accusing anyone here of do so, but I've just read a post on Polish. This OP puchased 4 or 5 and they were obviously neglected.

My point being is that I would have no problem w/ the brinsea, which is what I hope to purchase. I am having a devil of a time w/ the Hovabator.

 

[bantyshanty]

I agree, Rancher Hicks, that personally, 7 at a time is just fine. I've hatched 20 at a time & just 7, and the smaller number lets me tend all the chicks well in case I have a "special needs" peep, get to know them as they grow, and have them be really tame & holdable by the time I integrate them with the older hens or sell them. Some people do much better with larger hatches. I think it's personal style. I'm only doing this as a hobby, and I'm too urban to have 50 chickens.

I love my Brinsea Mini. Size notwithstanding, if I had to start over, I'd possibly go with one unit and just get the Brinsea Octogon 20.
I think Brinsea makes a great quality product. They've been making veterinary equipment for more years than I've lived... that means I can't come up with a number, but it's big.

My Hovabator is a really comfy hatcher for chicks to peeps to hang out in for a while, however.

 

[Mahonri]

Next hatch, I'll probably be using the Brinsea Octogon 20 Advance Ex AND my 1588. I can to 65 eggs that way.

If I were doing a small hatch, it would be with the Brinsea.

I don't know why anyone would buy the mini.. only 7 eggs???

 

[debilorrah]

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Because not everyone is as bad as you are!!!

 

[AK Michelle]

I was getting ready to order a 1588. Mahonri have you had any problems with yours?

 

[Chipper]

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I am sure Mahonri will chime in again.I have my 5th batch in my Genesis 1588 right now and I love mine.
Very easy to use and my temp has always been right on the money.I add water once every three days when
it is dry in the room and that is about it.I wish I had another one.

 

[AK Michelle]

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I am sure Mahonri will chime in again.I have my 5th batch in my Genesis 1588 right now and I love mine.
Very easy to use and my temp has always been right on the money.I add water once every three days when
it is dry in the room and that is about it.I wish I had another one.

Thanks Chipper. Our climate is pretty dry so last year I had to add water to my homemade one daily. Glad to hear the temp is reliable. I can accomodate the water, but it's hard to compensate for a temperature fluctuations.

Can't wait to have some little fuzzy butts!

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

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Because not everyone is as bad as you are!!!

Zing!

 

[rescuefirst]

Good idea - I looked at the Brinsea octo 20 eco, it's the perfect size! Looks awesome!
However, it doesn't have an automatic egg turner. :/So, I ruled that one out - since I didn't want to worry about turning the eggs several times a day, each day... Unfortunately, the automatic-version of that model is WAY out of my budget.

But, it is a great size - not too big, no too small.

 

[Ispahan]

If you order the Brinsea Octagon 20 ECO directly from the manufacturer, the autoturn cradle will cost another $50 or so, making the whole package around $150. This is about the same price as the Genesis 1588. The main difference of course is the much reduced egg capacity of the Octagon 20 ECO, but you would have a solidly built, durable machine with a full 2 year guarantee.