Quick Brower top hatch bator question

gottsegnet

Songster
10 Years
Mar 19, 2009
377
10
131
Nebraska
How often do the eggs get turned in this incubator? Everything seems to be working properly and we hear the motor, but the eggs don't appear to be turning at all. I've gone through the instruction manual, but it doesn't really address this as far as I can see.

I can hand turn, but so long as we have this automatic turner, I'd like to use it.
 
I don't know what kind of egg turner you have but you can't actually see the turner moving in mine. It will turn maybe twice an hour but it is really slow. Maybe you can just check it every 15 minutes and see if there has been any change., Do this for a couple of hours just to make sure it is working properly. Good Luck!
 
OK, shyly comes back to admit she's a dodo.
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The thing can't work if it isn't on it's track. We had it all set up but I sort of forgot we moved it to the bedroom when we actually went to put eggs in it. The little bar underneath that sits on the turny thing (we're real technical around here) slipped off and I didn't think to check it.

But happy it works fine with no need to take it apart or try to call the company!
 
Id like to see how these things work out. I went with a little giant over the tophatch. The Tophatch appears to be a higher quality product but the insulation seems lik eit would make a lot of temperature fluctuations. The plus was it was better quality and more integrated and came with an eggturner and you dont have to use trays for different eggs. It was easily to clean or at least looks like it. I almost got it but couldnt find enough reviews about it. Id like to hear how you like yours after you hatch a few chicks with it.
 
I'll let you know how it goes. So far I like it. It was easy enough to set up. A lot of people put bubble wrap around the outside to help with the insulation. That will be my biggest concern, but so far it is holding temps steady despite the fact that we have no AC or heat. It's just in a room without drafts where the room temperature changes slowly over the course of the day.

I've never hatched anything, though, so there'll be a bit of a learning curve. Hopefully not at the expense of too many little chicks!
 
It turns the eggs very slowly. I didn't believe it at first either so I lightly penciled an X on them. They turn.

If you are running a small batch, you should have at least 3-4 eggs together, otherwise the turner may not always turn them.

The ball bearings on the track are easy to lose. Save a trip to the hardware store and tape them into the sockets, or put them in a baggie when you pack the incubator up. Mine was given to me and missing about half when I got it.

Other than that, it runs very well on it's own. Remember to disengage the little gear that turns the rack on day 18.
 
Unfortunately, our hatch failed. Some of the eggs weren't fertile, but a couple started then died. The temperature held steady, even as the house got colder. I think it was a humidity problem.
 
I have a Top Hatch also and I am using it for the first time. I am wondering if you guys have trouble with temp fluctuating or not? I have wrapped the tub with pipe insulation and the temp is still not stable. One day it will be normal and the next 101.1 or maybe 97.8. I just hope the eggs hatch out. I am thinking about putting this thing on E-bay when these eggs time out. I have a LG with turn that holds its temp at 99.5 every time I check it. The Brower Top Hatch is suppose to be a better incubator but so far I am not impressed. Any help with the temp will be greatly appreciated. Oh and this thing makes a lot of nosie. I am thing about purchasing a Hova-Bator 1588 with turner for my next incubator.
 
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I really like the Browers Tophatch. I can mix chicken,turkey and yes even call duck eggs in mine and get them to hatch! The thermometer that comes with it is cheap and I purchased a better one at Walmart. You need to keep it in a room with steady temps and no drafts....
I wrap mine with bubble wrap and last time I used baby pampers and they worked real well keeping the temps. Just remember that even a little nudge on the temp. adjuster can change it! Took me several tries and then it was set and done with.
Also add only warm water not cold. It is noisy and needs to be in a room where it won't bug you so much!
 
Quote:
Read this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=423707

Do not trade Brower for any Styrobator, for about 25 bucks you can fix it's instability problem, and you will have Brinsea quality bator with autoturner, you can wash it in dishwasher and it will last you years, forget all

S T Y R O B A T O R S

If you are still not convinced how much you want for your Brower?

I may get a second one to increase my hatching capacity.
 

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