wanted-advice on buying a incubator

[Noelg]

Im thinking bout trying my hand at hatching.

The hovabator 1588 is what im thinking about purchasing, after much reading on the subject, temp is a huge factor! Is there one that would be a better purchase for the money? Or can anyone with experienced with this model tell me if they've had any trouble with it holding temp?

There is a Brinsea one for$99, would that one be a smarter choice? i only would want to set about a dozen at a time right now, but chicken math might kick in

So is bigger better for this purchase too?

TIA

noelg

 

[SOMD Chicken Mafia]

I just received my bronzes advance and eggs are in the mail. I liked the auto turn and day count down feature and that I can only do 7 eggs at a time keeps me under control. O and the price was very attractive

 

[geebs]

both the brinsea and the hove offer good results... I like both... I use the hove more... (chicken math)

 

[geebs]

double post tard!! srry

 

[bakerjw]

I went with a Brower Top Hatch. I liked it due to the built in automatic egg turner and ease of cleaning. The one reported shortcoming is that it doesn't always maintain temps too well. They did make a design change that should help with temps. I have added an insulating apron which stabilizes the temperature much better. It does cost more than a Styrofoam box incubator.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Both are great. I belive that $99 dollar brinsea is the one that only holds 20 eggs while the hovabator is at least double that amount. Don't know how many chicks you'll be hatching.

 

[GlitterBug]

I have the Hova Genesis 1588. It holds the temps. very well. Once I finally figured out the humidity a little more, my hatching rate is much better than when I started with it. I just hatched 11/15 silkies this last weekend

But, I think I would love one of those Brinsea's though...especially with humidity control built-in as that is where I usually "go wrong" with any hatch.

Best wishes on your search! Hatching really is addicting...

 

[Keri78]

I bought the Brinsea last year...many good hatches out of it!!! I got the Brinsea Oct 20( just b/c a bator holds a certain # of eggs doesn't mean it's ideal once the chicks hatch and need to remain in the bator for 24-36 hrs.) I also HIGHLY recommend the "cradle" turner...you wouldn't believe how much work that little gadget does for ya!!!

I Love how it holds the temps steady and how easy it is to adjust the temp if need be! I also love the vents...it gives you alot of flexiblity with the humidity. You will want to buy a cheap hygrometer to stick inside so you can keep track of your humidity and I've found it easy to add water through a straw via the vent holes during the hatch and also put tape over the vent holes when you need to increase the humidity!!!

It's very user friendly and I think a great bator!!!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
Just ordered this one yesterday... I know nothing about them EXCEPT from the BYC posters... this one has been spoken of very highly. AND it's on sale right now! Good Luck!

 

[ranchhand]

I have the styrofoam Hovabator Genesis 1588 with turner. Call me low tech, but I like controlling temp and humidity myself. If the power goes out I still know what those are, with an auto incubator, that's gone. I've had good hatches, even with shipped eggs, the 6 times I have used it.

The turner is a wonderful thing, I don't have to put post-it notes all over the house to remind me.