Which incubator to buy !!!

[BarnGems]

@BarnGems thanks for the info. Is this the foam one from farm innovators your talking about? It does have a see thru lid.
View attachment 1643201 @ $149.99

yes that's the one it says 4250 on mine. Here is a picture of the other one I have.

 

[RoosterML]

yes that's the one it says 4250 on mine. Here is a picture of the other one I have.
View attachment 1643212

Have you tried setting the plastic one on some rigid foam so the heat doesn't get suck out downwards?

 

[RoosterML]

@aart which one do you recommend? I agree the brinsea would be nice but I can't justify the price. I am also with @BarnGems that with a used one I am concerned about just getting someone else's proble.

 

[BarnGems]

Incuview? IW sells many different bators.
I have an Incuview and like it way better than the foamies I've wrestled with.
At least you can clean the thing thoroughly.
There's a way around the adding water issue.

There's always something that needs dinking with almost any incubator.
None are really 'plug and play(walk away)'..... they all need some monitoring.

I got two for a couple of reasons, one being ease of cleaning. I plan to use the styrofoam for the turning phase and the incubator warehouse for lock down. I am really wanting to see them hatch and styrofoam is a more difficult to keep clean.

I agree everything I have read/learned about hatching says it is not a science and you have to see what works for you. I have chosen auto turners because I'm sure I will forget to turn them so at least that part I don't have to worry about. Some people can make just about anything work as an incubator but I'm not that adventurous.

 

[RoosterML]

I got two for a couple of reasons, one being ease of cleaning. I plan to use the styrofoam for the turning phase and the incubator warehouse for lock down. I am really wanting to see them hatch and styrofoam is a more difficult to keep clean.

I agree everything I have read/learned about hatching says it is not a science and you have to see what works for you. I have chosen auto turners because I'm sure I will forget to turn them so at least that part I don't have to worry about. Some people can make just about anything work as an incubator but I'm not that adventurous.

Does the foam one not come apart for cleaning?

 

[GotCoop]

There's always something that needs dinking with almost any incubator.
None are really 'plug and play(walk away)'..... they all need some monitoring.

That's right, and also part of the fun...like having a present under the Christmas tree for 3 weeks with your name on it...you are going to want to look, touch, anticipate, etc. thinking about the possibilities...and nothing is guaranteed

 

[BarnGems]

Have you tried setting the plastic one on some rigid foam so the heat doesn't get suck out downwards?

I have found with this one i needed open the vent hole and to put some more ventilation holes in the bottom and then wrap a throw blanket around the sides (not covering the top). It runs much better since doing that.

Currently the Farm innovators requires I put covers over the top class vent holes and leave the plugs in to get that improved temp/humidity stability. I also closed off the room both machines were in and this seemed to increase the stability of both. At the end of two weeks both machines where temp stable all day. Humidity was another matter lol

 

[BarnGems]

Does the foam one not come apart for cleaning?

It does but if you use it for hatch out their will be staining on the styro that you can't get off. Hatching is messy business, there are fluids involved lol (it will look dirty or you may damage it trying to get it scrubbed clean).

 

[BarnGems]

Have you tried setting the plastic one on some rigid foam so the heat doesn't get suck out downwards?

I have found that it needed more ventilation in the bottom. Most of the heat comes out of the top it gets very warm but if i cover it the thing gets over heated (reads 101-103). By just wrapping the sides I have gotten the desired temp to hold.

 

[RoosterML]

I have found that it needed more ventilation in the bottom. Most of the heat comes out of the top it get very warm but if i cover it the thing gets over heated (reads 101-103). By just wrapping the sides I have gotten the desired temp to hold.

I could see me making a short walled foam surround to set it down in.
So the modification to add water for the humidity, I take it would be to drill a hole thru the top and then install a rubber plug or something?