starter incubators?

[fallenweeble]

so, i'm not saying i'm going to do it but . . . if i were going to buy a SMALL incubator to incubate only a few eggs here and there . . . which one would ya'll recommend i purchase? i'd rather have something very dependable, and easy to use and pay a little more than have something cheaper but more difficult.

like i said, this doesn't mean i'm actually going to incubate any eggs . . .

but what if it was an emergency and i just NEEDED to hatch out a baby chick or two? sounds like i'd be in a bad situation if i didn't have an incubator on hand right?

 

[kstaven]

For your money a Hova with turner is the best bet. For a small one there is always the R-com also.

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:
FAMOUS LAST WORDS

You'll be on IBW before you know it.....

 

[fallenweeble]

R-Com Pro-20 Egg Incubator PX20 D USB PC Control RCOM


any thoughts on this item? it's pricey but it looks like maybe dumb folks like me could use it?

 

[d_rooster]

I've been using the Hovabator Genesis, Model 1588, with good results. It's got an automatic thermostat built in and it keeps the temp setting very reliably for me. It's a very simple, plug-n-play type incubator. Just plug it in, keep adding water periodically and it does the rest as long as you buy the optional egg turner. I tried a less expensive styrofoam type incubator, but found that I was watching constantly and occasionally having to make temperature adjustments. With Hovabator Genesis I've been able to relax and just concentrate on checking my humidity each day. Including shipping and the optional egg turner, I think I spent about $160.00.

I now use my less expensive, first incubator as the hatcher (last three days of incubation where turning isn't required). So I can safely set small groups of eggs as little as 4 or 5 days apart and then cycle them through the hatcher.

 

[jimnjay]

For my money a TX-6 or 7 is the best value. They are dead on accurate and easy to operate. If you don't get the turner at first you can turn them manually by simply moving the dome just as the turner does and you never have to open the incubator. The Humidity control is the best I have seen. It takes all the guess work out of the equation. Water is automatically dispensed as is needed. For around $ 200 dollars you can get the basic incubator. The turner can be purchased later on if desired.

I understand the Brinsea is equally dependable. I started with the Hova Bator Still air and then moved to the Top Hatch, Which I really liked. I wish I had kept that as a back up. Many people have great luck with the styrofoam incubators but just as many do not. It is hard when you are just starting out with the many variables involved with the Wafer type thermostat. Knowing what I know now, I would start with a better unit and save myself the anxiety of failed hatches. If considering a Styrofoam unit, I would definately recommend the one with the electronic thermostat , preferably the preset unit.

 

[Katy]

I vote for the Hova 1588 too. It has an electronic preset thermostat and if you get it with the turner that's even better. You can order it from Cutler Supply for like $146 for both the incubator and the turner. I've also got the 1590 (an older version of the 1588) but I don't think they sell that anymore.....just in case you would find a good used one.

p.s......if you're thinking about an incubator you're already sunk and it's only a matter of time!!

 

[KingsCalls]

Hova-Bator .........then if you like incubating you can always go with something else.

 

[Dawn419]

I've got a Hova-Bator (model # 1583) and am impressed with it so far. It's the circulated air model, with the large picture window. I ordered it from http://www.moyerschicks.com/MC-Web/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=36. I just set my 2nd hatch yesterday. I have to regulate the temperature myself but it has been easy to do.

It also came with the auto egg-turner, a big plus in our book as we usually spend Sundays out on the Harley, it's nice not having to worry about turning the eggs 3 times a day.

Dawn

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
I have three complete Little Giants with forced air and turners. They are OK. I wish
I had just bought the RCom 20 and done it at a smaller scale. Nice machine but
expensive.

The Brinsea Octagon 20 is nice too, and less money.

http://www.brinsea.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=52