Which Incubator to buy?

[Chas73]

If your going with the RCOM then get the rcom 20 or the rcom pro 20. I have the rcom pro 20 and it is fantastic. Pretty much set your eggs come back on day 21 and watch then hatch. The rcom pro 20 does it all. Stops rotating on day 18, lowers the temp to 99 and raises the humidity to 65%. You can change any of these setting but the machine does it all for you. I don't know what the difference is with the rcom 20 but I think you have to stop the rotating and set your temp and humidity for the last 3 days. My hatch rates went from 40-50%, with the LG forced air, to 90-100% wit the rcom pro 20. Little expensive but with not having to baby set the incubator like the LG. Only my opinion.

 

[Sydney Acres]

You've pretty well summed it up, I will also add another factor is how full the incubator is. My full incubator maintains itself well while half full requires added water to keep the humidity levels

Yes, that would make sense. The more eggs in the closed box, the more water is evaporating, the higher the humidity. So many things to consider. How do the hens keep it all straight??!!??

 

[what did I do]

And here we go again, I just CANNOT make up my mind!! For those who stated the RCOM was fantastic, any opinions on this model? This one looks like a great deal!!

http://www.r-com-hatcher.com/detail.htm?ProductID=MX-Suro 


I did not see this before, only the fancier $400 (regular price $500) that only fits 20 eggs. 

In years past the Rcom 20 King Suro has not had very good reviews. Now, that was in years past. I have not seen any recent reviews. I would find reviews from last year and this year before you buy.

 

[Divannah]

When I spent months reading reviews, the King Suro did not have good comments. One thing I learned about the r-com is to be careful which one you buy. People are still selling the older model which has a sponge in it, and that was a source of problems. The new 20 Max and the 20 Pro don't have a sponge, but an improved humidity something-or-other. I made sure to get the newest model and it worked like a dream. You might save a few dollars on an older model, but in the long term, your better to get an improved version. The only real difference I could find between the Max and Pro was having to simply push a few buttons myself to change the egg rolling and humidity on day 18, which accounted for about 45 seconds of thought and labor. Less intensive than writing this review, so cost-wise, I couldn't bring myself to buy the Pro. Good luck everyone. I wish this thread had been there for me six months ago, but I am thankful for other BYC writers on other threads.

 

[TattooedMama]

Thanks for the warning ladies!! I got over eager and posted about that model before doing more digging!! I quickly found out what you are saying, the reviews I read were less than flattering. I will most likely get the Brinsea octagon 20 advance. My boyfriend agreed to pitch in for it so I figured I would get the advance instead of the Eco. Maybe Christmas time if I proved I put it to good use, I could get a humidity pump from him as well

 

[TattooedMama]

I just put in my order on Brinsea.com for the Octagon 20 Advanced.

I have been driving myself crazy trying to decide but ultimately it was the safest bet I think and I am very happy I finally got to put in my order. For those who are interested. It is on sale for $350 on Brinsea's website and if you use the coupon code "TheChickenChick" it is an addition 10% off. This code can be used for 10% off anything on the Brinsea website, not just this bator. So it came out to $315 plus tax and shipping only $338. Not bad for a $400 incubator. It may normally be $347 at the Incubator Warehouse but they are out of stock and this came in just under that with tax and shipping included so I am very pleased. Wish me luck!!

Now to wait another bit before I can order any hatching eggs, oh the horror!!

 

[nova022]

I think you will be happy with it from the reviews I have read. Keep us posted on your hatches. I am saving for the Brinsea 20 Advanced, so I would like to know how you do.

 

[TattooedMama]

I think you will be happy with it from the reviews I have read.  Keep us posted on your hatches.  I am saving for the Brinsea 20 Advanced, so I would like to know how you do.

Keep that coupon code written down; I don't think it has an expiration date. Once it gets here I will be ordering hatching eggs ASAP from papa brooder and another Orpington breeder. I'm very excited and I will keep everyone here updated who is interested =)

 

[brandy00]

My Brinsea should be here Monday! I set some eggs in my LG. Hopefully I can have the Brinsea set up and stabilized by the time I get ready to candle so I can move the polish frizzle eggs I bought over into it!

 

[TattooedMama]

My Brinsea should be here Monday! I set some eggs in my LG. Hopefully I can have the Brinsea set up and stabilized by the time I get ready to candle so I can move the polish frizzle eggs I bought over into it!

How exciting!! I wonder how long mine will take to get here. Now I'm sitting here wondering if I'm absolutely bonkers for spending $350 on an incubator, only to spend a $150+ more on eggs. Oh well!!