What is a good incubator for a beginner?

[kjbecker1]

I am starting to look at incubators and was wondering what is a good brand and model to start out with. I would like to stay under or around 200-250 dollars. whats my choices? Jason

 

[Chikndinner]

http://www.brinsea.com/products/octagon20eco.htm

Your best value for the dollar

 

[Glenmar]

This is my first time. I got a Brinsea ECO 20 with the automatic turner. All under $200.
I am on day 12 with my eggs, all 14 are viable and going strong. I have not had to do much of anything.

 

[snazzyboots]

i started out with a hovabator 1602. i don't like it at all. i think if it had a fan it would be ok. i think having a fan is a really important feature. i hand turn mine because i have the time. if you don't have time you may want to get a turner. i have heard good things about the brinsea incubators and they have sales a lot. good luck

 

[ChestnutRidge]

This is my first time (chicks hatching as we speak) and I used a HovaBator Genesis 1588 with an automatic turner (already comes with forced air and thermostat). My house stays at a pretty constant temperature (68-72), and I bought a Caliber III to track humidity and a Brinsea Spot Check incubation thermometer for temps, sticking the probe into a water wiggler.

It maintained temperature great. I covered up most of the bottom water trough with aluminium foil and ran aquarium tubing into the trough through a vent hole. I added warm water when needed using an oral syringe.

It worked very well. It held the temperature very steady, and has mostly run itself, with me adding water every two or three days. I highly recommend the Genesis.

When I was choosing incubators, I checked people's comments about them here on BYC. Try running a search for the Brinsea and the Genesis in the BYC search to help you make your choice.

Have fun!!!

And -

 

[blaundee]

BRINSEA all the way! Get the VERY best you can afford! Do NOT skimp on your bator!!! I did, and wish I had a better bator. Get the best! You will have much better hatches and actually save money in the long run.

 

[latebloomer]

i added a fan to my hovabator 1602n and had good luck with shipped eggs

 

[buckabucka]

I just bought the Brinsea Advance. I've got my first eggs in it right now, and so far I love it. I had a borrowed incubator for my first hatch, - a Hovabator 1602. It worked okay, but it was hard to regulate the temperature and humidity. The Brinsea is pre-set, - very easy.
The Advance is slightly more than you wanted to spend (I think I paid $293-ish), but I wanted that one because it has the option of later adding/buying a humidity pump, and the Brinsea Eco does not.
Also, I tried putting the Brinsea Eco in my cart, and shipping was $37. Shipping for the Brinsea Advance, was $24. I figured that was like they were kicking in $13 toward my more expensive purchase.

If I find I do not do many more hatches, I can always sell it on Craigslist!

Good luck with your decision! With a little research, I think you will find people that love, and hate, every incubator out there!

 

[clayb226]

I am using a little giant 9200, still air, incubator. This is my first hatch also, and I will let you know how it goes in about a week or so. The temp stays steady, as does the humidity. I turn by hand 3 times a day, and am candling tonight, day 11-12 to check progress.

EDIT: I did not pay for the incubator, got it from a friend of a friend, but I have to give them some chicks in the future. They had not used it in 7 years, but are planning on getting more chickens in the future, and would not sale it. They do have another one though, which I may try to get for a hatcher only type of rig.

 

[petunias212]

Stay away from the Little Giant Styrofoam incubator and go with the Brinsea - from the reviews, it is awesome for that price range!