Suggestions please.

[Mvan42]

Hi everyone. I know I know this has been covered time and time again. But.....

I am thinking alot of my hatch rate is do to my incubator. It's a farm innovators Styrofoam one, forced air. It just doesn't stay consistent for humidity and heat. Not bad enough to not work but I feel that pending on the location of the eggs within is the reason some make it clear to lockdown then don't hatch.

So suggest on a more consistent incubator. Pros and cons and why you like yours.

I am looking to stay under $200 if possible and I would like to have one that holds a decent # of eggs. Thanks

 

[nchls school]

I have had numerous incubators over the years; some expensive and others not so much. All of them were pathetic, never giving a good hatch. I finally stopped using incubators in favor of letting the birds do the work. Then, a couple years ago my wife gave me an incubator, cheap, plain, no frills; I laughed at the thing. I did try it and I'm still using it. No matter what kind of eggs I put in, the eggs hatch. I have seen it advertised under different brand names, but it is obvious that all these brands are getting the incubator from the same manufacturer-a Safego; comes in different sizes. I see it shown as Walmart and Fycone this morning.

 

[Mvan42]

Thanks

 

[Mvan42]

Here are the two I am thinking about:

Brinsea Products USAC26C Maxi II Advance Automatic 14 Egg Incubator, One Size, Yellow/Black​

Which only holds 14.. wich isn't a big deal to me but. My chicken math says that I need one that holds more. Lol

Or
Manna Pro Harris Farms Nurture Right Incubator | Egg Incubator for Hatching Chicks | 360 Degree View

Which holds 22. And I know alot of you have these.

Pros and cons on each????
https://www.amazon.com/Brinsea-Prod...ca47f61fa2&pd_rd_wg=2smzG&pd_rd_i=B01N3M3XWI#
https://www.amazon.com/Brinsea-Prod...ca47f61fa2&pd_rd_wg=2smzG&pd_rd_i=B01N3M3XWI#

 

[sdm111]

Hens. Really a few good broody hens is the way to go. You can't get any better than 100% hatch rate.

 

[Iluveggers]

This is the thread that convinced me to go w NR360:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...rture-right-360-incubator-is-amazing.1294466/

Starting first incubation on Tuesday so I can’t give you a personal recommendation!

 

[Mvan42]

Hens. Really a few good broody hens is the way to go. You can't get any better than 100% hatch rate.

I have one who Normally does go broody. But didn't last year.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I love my NR360! It’s my first hatch-the only reason some didn’t make it were either fertility or early quitters.

Just having chicks hatch now!

 

[NatJ]

Here are the two I am thinking about:

Brinsea Products USAC26C Maxi II Advance Automatic 14 Egg Incubator, One Size, Yellow/Black​

Which only holds 14.. wich isn't a big deal to me but. My chicken math says that I need one that holds more. Lol

If you look on Brinsea's own website, they have an updated version that holds 24 eggs:
https://www.brinsea.com/p-673-maxi-24-advance-fully-digital-24-egg-incubator.aspx

It looks like the exact same incubator, except they redesigned the insert to hold two circles of eggs instead of just one circle.

Sorry, I don't have any advice about which of the brands of incubator would be better for you.

 

[peepdaddy]

I also have an FI incubator. It's an old styrofoam incubator that has an external shell of thin plastic. The gauges are completely inaccurate. They are the old dial type. I found an accurate combination thermometer/hygrometer and use that. I set the the temp (has a knob control) as close to right as I can but leave the temp just a touch low. Mine has 2 viewing windows on top. I cover these, to varying degrees with 1/2 inch sheets of styrofoam, to more precisely control the temp. I use damp sponges and the vent holes to regulate the humidity.
I have to adjust things several times per day but I'm now retired and have the time to do so. My hatches are running around 90%.