What are the best small, cheap incubators

[chickymomma1234]

Hi guys, i really want to get a good, small incubator to hatch some chicks but i want to get it relatively cheap. has anyone got any ideas??

 

[eggbert420]

Tractor supply has one on sale $36.00

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Hi guys, i really want to get a good, small incubator to hatch some chicks but i want to get it relatively cheap. has anyone got any ideas??

You get what you pay for. It's very true in incubators. The little giant that TSC sells is the cheapest you'll get that isn't a mini. You'll also get sleepless nights, migraine headaches and possibly ruined hatches. The digital LGs are known for the displays to be way off and for heat spikes. If you have your own accurate thermometers and hygrometers in the bator you can solve that problem. The sensor hanging down is the catalyst for heat spikes and can be stabilized a little better to help with those. These bators are a lot more work and monitoring. TSC also sells the farm innovators. Has a better reputation, but I've seen just as many compare them as equal to the lg as I've seen say they had great luck with them.

If you're going to go cheap, I'd go for the older version of the Hovabator (1602N) before anything else. It's still air, but much more steady in temps. I prefer the Hovabator 1583.

You can look at the minis. You'll find a variety online, especially e bay, but I can't speak too much on the minis.

 

[3riverschick]

Just ask anyone who has one how great the Brinsea Mini Advances are.
Karen

 

[eggbert420]

Just ask anyone who has one how great the Brinsea Mini Advances are.
Karen

That's a lot of money for a very small incubator.

 

[3riverschick]

I agree $219 for 7 egg incubator is a lot of money. but a hundred and thirty-five is not. Brinsea Mini Advances sells on eBay everyday 150.
the point is, it's a Brinsea , the Cadillac of tabletop incubators. it's Auto everything. Anything you need is built into that.
Best,
Karen

 

[3riverschick]

Best small and cheap are two different categories. if you want the "best small", you want a Brinsea.
Http://www.brinsea.com .
if you want a "small cheap" you probably want a Magicfly.
Https://www.imagicfly.com
Search for : incubatord
Both are 7 egg bators at different ends of the price and specifications spectrum.

 

[eggbert420]

I'm just saying that's a lot of money. I've never used one. I have only used a homemade wooden cabinet incubator. Its been going strong for 30 years.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I never recommend minis cause hatching is so addictive...lol I've seen too many spend money on minis then have a couple good hatches and want to upgrade to a bigger bator. I'd spend $150 on a Hovabator than can hatch 7 or 42+ than a Brinsea mini that maxes out at 7, maybe 9 if they are small. There's no question Brinsea is the Cadillac of incubators. However, Hovabators, in my opinion are excellent bators, rock steady and higher capacity. I have the 1583 and love it. Paid $122. I hand turn, so I didn't have the added expense of the turner, which is about another $45-50.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi Amy ,
I agree with your point of view . it just depends on how many chicks you want and the grow out space you have. many backyarders just don't have the grow out space for 42 chicks. or don't want 42 chicks. With a mini you can start early season and hatch out 7 chicks. grow them out in your Brooder . 2 or 3 weeks after the first hatch, set another 7 eggs and they will hatch just as the 1st batch is heading out to the coop. it's a very good way for somebody who wants a small flock to get started.
Best,
Karen