Thinking of buying a Brower as 2nd incubator, thoughts & opinions

[Faverolle]

Hi all,
I am thinking about buying a second incubator and was considering a Brower top hatch. Anyone here have any major issues with Brower incubators? I was thinking about Brower because they look pretty easy to disinfect and was thinking about using one from around day 18 on to hatch.

 

[idahodebra]

Well, I'll give you my personal experience with it. It was a little hard to get the temp to regulate, it's loud, and the light constantly flashes. I incubate in the bathroom next to my bedroom, so it was a little annoying. The deal breaker for me was on hatch day. My first chick that hatched, appropriately now named Spaz, kept flinging himself at the lightbulb. He was all over the bator, and got his toenail caught in the grid on base. I was in the bator several times rescuing the poor thing. Not exactly what you want to do when keeping temp and humidity stable is your goal. I ended up with a nasty burn on the inside of my wrist from the lightbulb on one of my rescue missions. I'm a nurse, and the burn was right in my "frequent wash zone". FUN! I tried to return it, but no go.

Hey! I'll make you a good deal on a Brower Top Hatch

I love my Genesis 1588's. So much so, that I bought 2, and the Brower sits unused until I get up the energy to sell it.

Debra

 

[Snakeoil]

I also have one and could not get to hold a constant temp. It's been sitting with never being used for about five years. They are made about 15 miles from my house so I took the bator to them and they gave me a new one but to no avail as the same problems existed so I gave up and bought two GQF's.

 

[HappyHatch'en]

There are many different incubators on the market today, designed to fit your experience/knowledge, quantity of eggs and budget. There are also very good instructions here at BYC to build your own incubator. There are many company's that sell all the parts for a home made if you can't find items locally. Not to mention craigslist, newspaper ads, farm bulletins and such. If you are happy using a particular name brand, or can make your own....go for it. We all learn as we go...it is a personal choice.
I personally have no experience using a Brower Top Hatch...but all incubators hatch eggs, they differ on hatch rates and if you are happy with the results.
BYC Forum, where we all start the race as an EGG!
HappyHatch'en

 

[twigg]

Quote:
They are about $150, aren't they?

Take a look at the new Brinsea Octagon 20 Eco.

 

[bigjohn]

I have a Top Hatch I purchased last year. I have had two hatches from it and intend to use it again this year. It holds 120 quail eggs and the whole unit rotates very slowly turning the eggs. When the hatch is complete, practically the whole unit (except for the base) goes into the dishwasher. Very easy to clean.

It does take getting used to and you should certainly have it running 4 or 5 days before setting the eggs. It is a bit loud, but if you have a extra room or closet that is available, it is fine. I put a towel over the top of mine to help keep the temps even and to block our the flickering of the light.

It is sturdy and easy to view everything going on in the incubator. It has many positives and some negatives just like any incubator.

I drilled a small hole in the side of mine so I could insert a digital thermometer at egg level. The thermometer that comes with the unit is actually very accurate, so I use it inside the incubator at all times. But, it is always good to have two thermometers just in case one is wrong!

It really is personal preference on which unit to buy. The most positive aspect is the fact that it is so extremely easy to keep clean.

It like having a huge salad bowl sitting on a table. My last hatch was 64 chicks out of 97 eggs set. Not too bad. And that was for eggs I received via USPS from Texas.

 

[Faverolle]

Thanks all for your opinions and coments!