What is the best incubator?!

[Hanathehappyhen]

Hi! Im looking for recommendations for small batch incubators. I've never actually hatched my own chickens, I've always bought them as chicks/pullets. The reviews for incubators seem mixed. I just want to know what incubators you guys like and would recommend. What are your thoughts on Hova Bators? And if Hova Bators is any good, which model to get since there are so many different ones. Im probably going to incubate around 6 eggs, since I don't want too many more chickens. One more thing, do you know if they hatch if my poultry vets in general will vaccinate for you? Thank you!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Nurture right 360 is popular and seems to be reliable.
You can get at TSC and sometimes on Amazon.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

If you only need a small table top incubator, Brinsea makes one that holds 7 eggs with the auto turner and 10 without.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

If you only need a small table top incubator, Brinsea makes one that holds 7 eggs with the auto turner and 10 without.

thanks! do you have any advice for these incubators?

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I used the Brinsea this past Spring and really like it. Holds temp well. It is on the pricier end. If I had known about the Nurture Right, I probably would have bought that instead. Seemed to be the favorite of everyone else in the hatch along I was in. Highly recommend this thread when you start incubating. Look on the forums for the threads.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I used the Brinsea this past Spring and really like it. Holds temp well. It is on the pricier end. If I had known about the Nurture Right, I probably would have bought that instead. Seemed to be the favorite of everyone else in the hatch along I was in. Highly recommend this thread when you start incubating. Look on the forums for the threads.

will do!

 

[MGG]

Nurture Right 360!!!

 

[Charlie Chalk]

I've been using the Brinsea Mini Eco, it's pretty good value for an entry level incubator. I've just hatched 4 ducklings in mine. A couple of issues, it's really hard to change the temp as you have this tiny little screw driver and to change it by 1 degree is like 1/16th of a turn! I've also found it doesn't hold humidity so well, even with both wells filled it always seemed to hover around the 45% mark... Not such a problem during incubation, but is during the hatch. That being said the temp is always consistent, and I feel it's a safe and reliable option if you just want to hatch a few eggs.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I've been using the Brinsea Mini Eco, it's pretty good value for an entry level incubator. I've just hatched 4 ducklings in mine. A couple of issues, it's really hard to change the temp as you have this tiny little screw driver and to change it by 1 degree is like 1/16th of a turn! I've also found it doesn't hold humidity so well, even with both wells filled it always seemed to hover around the 45% mark... Not such a problem during incubation, but is during the hatch. That being said the temp is always consistent, and I feel it's a safe and reliable option if you just want to hatch a few eggs.

thanks! any tips on how to keep humidity up during hatching? Would a cup of water work to keep the humidity up?

 

[LadiesAndJane]

thanks! any tips on how to keep humidity up during hatching? Would a cup of water work to keep the humidity up?

All kinds of information on the forum on hatching and humidity issues. I always have the opposite issue keeping humidity down as my ambient humidity is quite high where I live. Most people use sponges to bring humidity up, you might have to play a bit with your incubator to find what works best for you.