New to incubating

[lazy gardener]

CC05: If you're looking to get a good incubator and protect your budget, I'd recommend that you first do a little research on making your own. Most of the supplies can usually be scrounged right at home, the rest can be easily picked up, with the only big purchase being your thermostat which will cost less than $25. This will give you a reliable incubator that will most likely be comparable to one that you'd spend more than $100 to purchase. If you can wire a lamp with instructions, you can make an incubator. I'd suggest that you do a google search for "Rush Lane Poultry" and "how to build an incubator". Look at that info, then decide how much you really want to spend to buy an incubator. I made mine for less than $25. My hatch rates have been: 5/6, 17/19, 19/28, and 22/25. And this is with one of the older style bi-metal thermostats. I have a digital thermostat that will go in my next build (dorm style refrigerator for the body).

 

[scflock]

CC05:  If you're looking to get a good incubator and protect your budget, I'd recommend that you first do a little research on making your own.  Most of the supplies can usually be scrounged right at home, the rest can be easily picked up, with the only big purchase being your thermostat which will cost less than $25.  This will give you a reliable incubator that will most likely be comparable to one that you'd spend more than $100 to purchase.  If you can wire a lamp with instructions, you can make an incubator.  I'd suggest that you do a google search for "Rush Lane Poultry" and "how to build an incubator".  Look at that info, then decide how much you really want to spend to buy an incubator.  I made mine for less than $25.  My hatch rates have been:  5/6, 17/19, 19/28, and 22/25.  And this is with one of the older style bi-metal thermostats.  I have a digital thermostat that will go in my next build (dorm style refrigerator for the body).

I always forget that option

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Hovabator is the way to go for inexpensive and reliable. 1602n is the two small windows still air model. Called something else with fan but same thing. Maybe you can find one cheap local on craigslist. Otherwise you have to pay shipping. Something to note is all the auto turners fit all the styro table top incubators. i.e. Little Giant turner from local Tractor Supple with fit in a Hovabaor etc.

Incubator Wharehouse is a great one stop shopping place for incubating. They have package deals so you can get what you want and only pay one shipping price. Here's an example of a package kit they posted to eBay; 1602n with fan, auto turner and a digital accutherm thermometer/hygrometer combo. Everything you need for $136 with shipping:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOVABATOR-E...n-Therm-Hyg-/230477943244?hash=item35a98e51cc

1588 Genesis model is not the only picture window unit. 1583 is the same as 1602n with fan only has a picture window. That's what I have with an on sale LG auto turner in it. The Genesis is a preset thermostat so plug in and forget it unit. Nothing like the other Hovabator models excepting the body is styrofoam.

Here's a deal for used Genesis without turner ($115):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-HOVA-B...8-ITEM-U105-/231684958015?hash=item35f17fe73f

I'd jump on this and then get a local auto turner (little giant at Tractor Supply) for around $45.

A new 1583 is $115 shipped so that would be a great deal and not much more than the cheapest setup at top. Though you still have to get a hygrometer but can be gotten cheap at walmart or cigar shop.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

If you want to build your own this is the all in one temp/fan/heater for table top size incubators. I hear this thing works like a dream for $50. You can put it in some old antique box that would fit an auto turner or build something out of wood and have a two layers of plexi top window. Air trapped between plexi acts as insulation.

Anywho, people I trust love this all in one heater fan thermostat. Make a build easy. Again, from Incubator Warehouse, a one stop shop so if this route get a good hygrometer to at to order so free shipping:

http://incubatorwarehouse.com/48-watt-incukit-dc.html

 

[lazy gardener]

EH: that unit does look like a good option for a DIY. Decent price as well, if it includes the heating unit. Or does it just hook up to your heating unit?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

EH: that unit does look like a good option for a DIY. Decent price as well, if it includes the heating unit. Or does it just hook up to your heating unit?

All inclusive. It's like building your own Hovabator Genesis. You build the box, add this unit and an auto turner. Plug in and walk away type thing, Just add water to keep your desired humidity. Like I said, several folks I trust here on BYC have gotten this unit and adore it. There is also a larger model (series of set ups) for DIY cabinet size incubators.

http://incubatorwarehouse.com/incukit-xl.html

 

[the poppster]

I've used incubators and broodys....if possible I opt for a good old broody hen hands down...they take almost all the work out of hatching eggs...yes I know not everyone has this option...but if it's there that's what I'd use...mommy knows best!!! Good luck with your hatch...enjoy it...that's all the fun of it!! No matter which way you incubate...it's always exciting to see those beautiful little fuzz balls!!!

 

[javi200]

Hi what's a good humidity for eggs

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Hi what's a good humidity for eggs

There is no magic number. People find different ranges work for them. This is how I control humidity: http://letsraisechickens.weebly.com...anuals-understanding-and-controlling-humidity
And

 

[javi200]

Thank you