picking an incubator

[emptynester]

I have been looking at incubators to use for some RIR eggs until my cochins get old enough to take care of them for me. I came across a GQF model 2362N that I can get for $50. Any one have this model or should I pass this up? Any other suggestions on beginning incubators would be welcomed!

 

[stickers]

Its decent but you need aquarium tubing and a syringe to add water without having to open the lid. It is a good started incubator and I like the windows. Make sure you keep it in a room that does not fluctuate too much in temperature. Also highly recommend the auto turner ( hopefully it comes with ). Good luck!

 

[ichoudhury]

I am on the same boat, so my advice probably not what you are looking for

but I will share some anyway (I ordered 1588 model with Turner). I think if you are getting that for $50, and its a brand new, then go for it as the new ones are sold for about 70 bucks. However, you can also get HOVABATOR INCUBATOR 1602N & AUTOMATIC EGG TURNER 1611 (both for about 70 bucks). But I do see the advantage of the GQF model 2362N over the 1602N to be the Fan. I am not 100% but the difference between 1588 and 2362N appears to be the viewing window, automatic temp setting, Fan type (Somebody who has both can perhaps correct me if I'm wrong).

Here's couple of review but both for 1588 I'm afraid

Good Luck

 

[emptynester]

Thanks to both of you for the responses

I'm not sure it comes with the auto turner, but sent an email to ask. If not, I can order one for another $50. wich would make it a total of $100 plus gas to go get it. I have seen a lot of people have the genesis and love it.
Thanks again for the input!!

 

[Buckeyes-R-Us]

most important items to look for in an incubator is;

1.) rock solid temperature capability (too many "cheap" 'bators fluctuate in temp due to poorly designed controlers and poor insulation)
2.) ability to keep bacteria to a minimum (styrofoam will harbor bacteria regardless of how well you think its clean)
3.) good ventilation (a unit with a fan is your best bet)

in over 10 years of using incubators i've found "cheap" incubators are not "cheap" at all....they will cost you more time, money and agrivation than one can imagine! i'd recommend looking for a good used Brinsea Octagon 20 or 40....I can get 30 Buckeye Hatching eggs into an Octagon 20. You can buy a "NEW" Brinsea Octagon Econo Model for $139 (manual) or $189 (w/auto-turner) and you will be far happier in the long run, believe me!

 

[minifarmerct]

My vote would be the brinsea also Eco 20 with turner you can get one on Amazon
at a good price and they ship to your door

 

[emptynester]

Thankyou for the input Buckeyes-R-us and minifarmerct! I think the Brinsea is great, I like that it isn't made out of styrofoam. And for the same amount of money for what I was willing to spend. Think I"m going to go that route. Thanks again! Sometimes all the research and reading in the world dont equal the voice of actual experience.

 

[Kavellion]

if you have money anything brinsea for sure. if you dont stryofoam cooler 40w bulb and small fan with a lamp that has dimmer settings works fine also.

 

[emptynester]

Kavellion - I'm not sure I have the confidence to try and put one together . Maybe in another year I will try and build one. But for now, since my chicken hobby is only 6 months old and has not turned into obsession yet..

And I'm not quite sure if I want to incubate a lot of eggs as I only have my backyard, at the moment.

 

[AKeaton]

You can also go to Brinsea.com and click on Web Special Offers. The Eco 20 is on sale for $99 without the egg turner.