What is the best incubator for hatching ducklings and chicks?

[Weeg]

I think the title mostly says it all, but I have been watching threads about hatching without a shell, and I really wan to try! I also want to hatch my own chicks at some point, so I am wondering what incubator is best! I have never hatched before, and only know what I know from here, so also looking for something fairly simple, but I am willing to turn eggs if I know how to do it right! I also am wondering what supplies I may need, for hatching in general, and hatching without a shell. And I will need the hatching tutorial! How to do it, tips, and tricks! Thanks for reading this thread! Avery

 

[Willow2253]

Well there are a lot of incubator options out there. What is your price range? How many eggs do you want it to be able to hold? How user friendly do you need it to be? Do you want forced air or still air? Generally the supplies you need for the actual hatch are an incubator, a separate calibrated thermometer and hygrometer, and water. I think most other extras depend on the incubator or if something goes wrong. If you end up needing to assist a hatch there are additional materials. After the hatch you’ll need a brooder set up and ready for the new chicks.
Hatching without a shell is extremely difficult, especially to do at home in a setting that’s not a sterile lab, so it’s not really something for someone inexperienced at hatching to try unless you’re prepared for failure. If you’ve been reading threads about it, you’ve probably seen that the people attempting it have very little success. It’s an interesting experiment to try for some people, but a very difficult one.

 

[Weeg]

I am looking to hatch no more then 6 eggs at a time. My price range depends, preferably 100 or under, but I am willing to go a bit higher for a good, guarantee hatch rate. I don't wan to spend my money one a $30 incubator, and have it not work, or mess up. Forced Vs. still air doesn't matter to me, really jus that everyone has had good success with. Thanks, Avery

 

[Willow2253]

For an incubator that small, Brinsea makes a 7 egg incubator that’s good quality, but it’s a little higher on the price. The janoel 12 is a decent one that’s a little cheaper, it fits up to 9 I think in the auto turner, but you could fit a couple more if you turn by hand.

 

[Willow2253]

With incubators you pretty much get what you pay for. The more expensive ones tend to work better and have higher hatch rates, and the cheaper ones usually take more work to have them work well, and often don’t last as long.

 

[Weeg]

it is okay if the incubator fits more then 6 eggs, it would probably be nice because then the eggs have more room during hatch. As long as its not a million bucks, I don't mid if it fits 15-20 eggs, I jus wont be incubating that many. Thanks, Avery

 

[Weeg]

With incubators you pretty much get what you pay for. The more expensive ones tend to work better and have higher hatch rates, and the cheaper ones usually take more work to have them work well, and often don’t last as long.

Exactly, I am more interested in the higher end price, and will be willing to pay if its gonna be worth it. I don't want to have to worry about the incuabort breaking, or something going wrong, I would prefer of the incubator to do all the work, and then me just checking on the eggs. Have you every hatched? What incubator do you use?

 

[Willow2253]

I have the nurture right 360. It holds 22, is auto turning, forced air, and the thermostat does a good job of keeping the temperature consistent. A lot of users here have had very good luck with it. That one costs around $150.

 

[Weeg]

I have the nurture right 360. It holds 22, is auto turning, forced air, and the thermostat does a good job of keeping the temperature consistent. A lot of users here have had very good luck with it. That one costs around $150.

Okay, that price isn't bad, where do you get them? Amazon, TSC?

 

[Willow2253]

Tractor supply definitely has it, and last time I checked amazon did too.