What is a good incubator?

[TaraBellaBirds]

I have never incubated before. I can tell by threads that it is a difficult and can be a stressful process. I want a good affordable incubator that will take most of the "is the temp/humidity right? How often do I turn?" questions away LOl! I've looked at several different incubators and found one I like. So what do the experts think? Will this model take care of my needs?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/48-Fully-Au...d=100005&prg=1088&rk=1&rkt=5&sd=111184388473&

 

[tankboss]

I read an article where someone put for eggs in a plastic container, the plastic container in a bowl with some water, and fixed a lamp above the set-up. The person claimed that one of the four eggs hatched. I'd say research DIY incubators. I personally bought a turner for 60 bucks but I wasn't willing to pay 130 bucks for a styrofoam box with a few cheap components attached to it. Plus, there is nothing easier to work with than styrofoam and duct tape. Just sharing my two cents.... I have yet to hatch anything but I do have a dozen button quail eggs in lockdown so we'll see what my two cents is worth soon. haha

 

[Alaskan]

it looks good..except that who in the world makes it? I haven't ever seen that kind/model before.

It not being a known would make be panic about reliability.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Looks to be a Janoel incubator. Tag is on the unit as pictured.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

I am still shopping around, and would like to find one used. What kind of incubator do you use Alaskan, and Fred's Hens? Like I said I need something that I can rely on and know that the eggs are in the best environment possible. This is likely to become much more than a hobby for me, I adore my birds and want the best (at a reasonable price LOL)!

I am not sure about a DIY. I am sure it would not be that difficult to build a warm box and add a thermometer, but what about humidity levels and controls. I would be a nervous wreck for every hatch LOL. I am willing to make the investment for something that I will use for years to come.

 

[Alaskan]

My incubator....uh......I don't like it.....and this last spring was the last straw....

I have been reading and reading and reading up on incubators

I am thinking that when I incubate this next spring, I am gonna go all nutty and buy the large model from Brinsea. Super expensive I know, I want the better model where I can punch in the exact temperature I want, NEVER a "turn the screw to adjust the temperature" again. I will not spend the money for the humidity attachment though.

 

[Bens-Hens]

There is a saying with car lovers, "Cheap, fast reliable...pick any two" You will never buy one with all three. I put incubators in a similar category.

Depends what you intend to use it for, and how often will vary 'what is the best'

Personally, I had a Hovabator which I fan modified and works ok for a 'once a year' use. I wanted more features and more capacity so I made my own from different idea on the net based of kits from incubatorwarehouse.com. I now use the Hovabator as a hatcher.

IMO, Really depends what you plan to do with it, and how bad you fall for the addiction of hatching!

I feel, if you intend on packing it a few times a year with some expensive eggs, then best to pay a bit more and get a quality unit or make a quality unit. You can always put a few more in there and sell the chicks to gain a bit of money back.

OR

If you are putting free or cheap eggs in for an annual hatch, a cheaper smaller unit should suffice. May not yield the best result every time but you should not loose $150 worth of rare breed eggs.