Still Air vs Circulated Air Hovabator 1588

[VioletBlueIvy]

Hello all!
I want to buy a new Hovabator, the 1588 with that great big window and electronic thermostat and fan...

BUT I am only familiar with simple still air hatching. I run the incubator with all the plugs out and the temp set at 102, monitoring the temp and humidity, hand turn twice a day and have always had great hatches with this method.

What will I need to do differently with the fan, different heating element, and less ventilation holes?

I have some super special eggs coming!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Hi - I run two Hova Bator 1588s as incubators (with a still air hatcher). With the exception of inaccurate temperature displays, I've found them to be very reliable, without significant temperature swings. With a forced/circulated air incubator, you'll want to aim for a temperature of about 99.5 degrees during incubation (some people like to drop it a degree at lockdown).

I think you'll find that if you need to open the top for any reason (like hand turning), the temperature will return to the set temp much more quickly than with a still air. I keep plugs out unless I run into a problem keeping humidity up (and I haven't yet), and ventilation has been fine.

Different breeds have different requirements for optimal incubation conditions (like dark-shelled Marans eggs). If you haven't already, you might want to research the recommended incubation conditions for the specific breed you plan to hatch. Best wishes for a great hatch!

 

[Mosey2003]

The main difference with a fan is that you run it cooler, typically about 100 degrees. Because the fan circulates the air, it keeps the temperature more stable.

Personally, I never use plugs no matter what I'm running, but that's up to you.

When you get the 1588, take a good look at the underside of the lid. You'll see some yellow equipment and there will be a small hole, after you hatch make sure you take your vacuum hose and hold it over the hole(s) on the underside. That is the only trouble I've had with my 1588, I bought it used and couldn't get it to get to temp no matter what. Decided to vacuum it for ****s and giggles and what do you know? Runs perfectly! I think chick scurf/fluff sometimes gets sucked into the hole that obviously monitors temperature. So that's my little PSA for the day

 

[QueenieBelleB]

The main difference with a fan is that you run it cooler, typically about 100 degrees. Because the fan circulates the air, it keeps the temperature more stable.

Personally, I never use plugs no matter what I'm running, but that's up to you.

When you get the 1588, take a good look at the underside of the lid. You'll see some yellow equipment and there will be a small hole, after you hatch make sure you take your vacuum hose and hold it over the hole(s) on the underside. That is the only trouble I've had with my 1588, I bought it used and couldn't get it to get to temp no matter what. Decided to vacuum it for ****s and giggles and what do you know? Runs perfectly! I think chick scurf/fluff sometimes gets sucked into the hole that obviously monitors temperature. So that's my little PSA for the day

O wow! Good to know about cleaning!