TSC incubator or make my own, best chance?

[clowngrl]

I hadn't planned on hatching any eggs this year but about a week ago something got our rooster and now I want to try to hatch some eggs while they are still possibly fertile. (I read that they can still lay fertile eggs for 3-4 weeks after the rooster is gone. I hope thats right.)
I can afford to buy the Little Giant still air incubator from TSC but might not be able to afford the egg turner as well or I could make my own from Miss Prissy's design on here.
This will be my first time ever hatching eggs and I will have one shot because by the time this attempt is done the girls will no longer be fertile.
Which do you think is my best chance of getting eggs to hatch?
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[SallyF]

I don't know anything about incubators, but I'll bump your question in hopes that someone else does....good luck!

 

[NancyP]

I would do both. That way you can stagger the hatch and have more babies or have a back up if the other one fails.
Good luck.
Nancy

 

[ginbart]

Do you think you can make one in a couple of days? Remember the longer the eggs sit the less chance you have for them to hatch. I would buy the LG and you can hand turn them. It doesn't take that much time. How many eggs do you have?

I'm sorry I didn't read your post right. I guess you have a couple of weeks if you want to try and make one. If it was me I would buy one for now. To bad you don't live closer to me I would let you use mine.

 

[Junkmanme]

I think that in the SHORT-TERM, you'd be "money-ahead" to go to your nearest Farm Store/Feed Supply and bUY a handful of chicks to raise (or get them from a hatchery).

With the time to "set-up" an incubator and the assorted headaches of a 1st try hatch...

.....you are likely to be disappointed trying to do this "on the spur of the moment" just to get ONE ROOSTER.

(Perhaps I don't TRULY UNDERSTAND your motivation........)

Otherwise, I'd say BUY the incubator and give it a shot!

GOOD LUCK !!!

-Junkmanme-

 

[hobbyfarmrookie]

clowngrl where are you located if you are close I will hook you up with a free rooster.

 

[clowngrl]

Hi, thank you all for your replies.
Our rooster was more of a pet. We actually had him for a few years before we got the hens. The reason we want to hatch the eggs from him is to have some of his babies around not really to replace him.
It sounds like Im better off buying one for now. Does anyone know if this is an easy to use incubator?
Thank you again.

 

[clowngrl]

Im in Northern CA.

 

[monita]

i got my LG still air from the TSC and yes it is easy to use. just read the manual to set it up but kindof ignore everything else it says and get your info from the forums here on BYC. everyone here is so friendly and always willing to help when you have questions or just need a little support. you might want to get a different thermometer and a hygrometer when you pick up your bator too. good luck with your hatch!

 

[hobbyfarmrookie]

I will be in flying to Eugene Oregon if you want me to bring a rooster, I have too many. lol