Which Incubator to buy?

[Sydney Acres]

Quote:
It is a big purchase, but it should last forever if cared for properly. If you're going to hatch more than just a few clutches, it's crazy to spend $150 on eggs each time and repeatedly put them in an incubator that may not work. If you invest once in the best quality incubator you can afford, then you'll get better results from your expensive eggs for a lifetime. In the long run it pays off, since only 2-3 lost batches of eggs buys your incubator. Otherwise, you have to be really good at using the Styrofoam or homemade incubators, which many people are, but I'm not.

On a slightly different slant of the same subject, is there a website where I can go to directly compare features of the incubators that have been discussed on this thread? I'm thinking specifically of various Brinsea models vs. various r-com models. I'm should be able to economize enough over the next several months to save $350-450 for a one-time purchase of a great incubator, but still don't have a good feel for the main differences between the two lines. Is there anyone out there that has used both of them? For those of you who considered both, what swayed you to one side or the other? And given that those are the type of incubators that interest me, are there any other lines that I should consider?

 

[nova022]

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 =)

Thanks, I will keep the coupon code until I am ready. I would like to how your hatches go. Good Luck

 

[TattooedMama]

Thanks, I will keep the coupon code until I am ready.  I would like to  how your hatches go.  Good Luck

Thanks!! I will definitely keep everyone updated on this thread as I'm sure it could help someone else in their decisions. I ordered late night Friday so I anticipate Monday or Tuesday to have updated information on when my incubator will be shipped. I plan to fill it soon after. That code is for 10% off which came to $35 with the current sale of $350. Definitely worth holding on to. I'm lucky I came across it =)

 

[TattooedMama]

It is a big purchase, but it should last forever if cared for properly.  If you're going to hatch more than just a few clutches, it's crazy to spend $150 on eggs each time and repeatedly put them in an incubator that may not work.  If you invest once in the best quality incubator you can afford, then you'll get better results from your expensive eggs for a lifetime.  In the long run it pays off, since only 2-3 lost batches of eggs buys your incubator.  Otherwise, you have to be really good at using the Styrofoam or homemade incubators, which many people are, but I'm not. 

On a slightly different slant of the same subject, is there a website where I can go to directly compare features of the incubators that have been discussed on this thread?  I'm thinking specifically of various Brinsea models vs. various r-com models.  I'm should be able to economize enough over the next several months to save $350-450 for a one-time purchase of a great incubator, but still don't have a good feel for the main differences between the two lines.  Is there anyone out there that has used both of them?  For those of you who considered both, what swayed you to one side or the other?  And given that those are the type of incubators that interest me, are there any other lines that I should consider?

You basically mimicked my logic, which some others have done as well. Thank you for reassuring me that I made the correct choice; I was beginning to doubt myself! I felt like spending the extra money on a more reliable incubator that had I debatable reviews was te best choice. Other than price, Brinsea seems to be a favorite. I am looking at more expensive eggs so for me this was the best option overall. Shipped eggs are delicate if not compromised from the start and to subject them to fluctuating temps and humidity in a basic incubator would equivalate to a monetary loss.even if only two eggs from each batch didn't hatch which could have in a better incubator adds up. Hatching eggs are much more budget friendly than buying chicks for me since chocolate Orpingtons are still rare. I have a trio already but I wish to add to it. My hope is to be able to sell my own high quality hatching eggs next year at a affordable price for those who wish to have a beautiful and extremely friendly bird. They truly are magnificent and the chocolates so far are so much more friendly and docile than the other Orpingtons I have. I will keep everyone updated as to how my hatch goes and hopefully that can give you some insight into your own purchase. Unfortunately I don't really auve experience with any other brands.

 

[brandy00]

My Brinsea will be here today! Come on UPS!! I have actually had pretty good success keeping the temp stable in the LG since installing the fan. I'm also doing a dry incubation this time and the humidity has stayed pretty much right around 30-35%. I'm ready to get these shipped polish frizzle eggs moved over in to the Brinsea...although I am now kind of toying with the idea of filling the Brinsea up with 20 new eggs lol

 

[brandy00]

The incubator arrived! I got it all set up, which took about 5 minutes! That was nice. I'm not overly impressed with auto-turn cradle. I wish for the $350 price tag it was a little more stout and stable. It doesn't even set totally level. That set my OCD off lol. Also the screws for the cradle are cheap junk. But that's no biggie! I was pretty much expecting to not be overly impressed with the cradle. That seemed to be a reoccurring theme in a lot of the reviews I read while researching the incubator. On a great note, I plugged it up and the temp stabilized at 99.5 in less than 15 minutes and has stayed that way for an hour! I checked this against two thermometers that I know to be accurate. I haven't checked the accuracy of the humidity reading yet. I'm hopeful that that good temp control and stable humidity will make up for the cradle! I will keep everyone updated when I set some eggs.

 

[Strader]

Sydney Acres is Telling it like it is. "invest once in the best quality incubator you can afford, then you'll get better results from your expensive eggs for a lifetime. In the long run it pays off, since only 2-3 lost batches of eggs buys your incubator"
I build a high Quality incubator and didn't cut corners anywhere. My hatches are 90% and Temps and Humidity are exactly what I want them to be. My temp never fluctuates even a tenth of a degree. To many people on here spend $50.00 on Building an incubator out of a fan/ light bulb and a water heater thermostat and wonder why hatches don't work out. You cant get anything but frustrated and worried for 21 days if you go cheap and use parts that are not really for incubators. Same way with your purchase of a good Quality Incubator. Buy something reputable and proven.(Not) cheap and It will Last and you'll never be frustrated.
Here's a pic of Mine. I spent a lot but I'll have great hatches for 20 years.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Sydney Acres is Telling it like it is. "invest once in the best quality incubator you can afford, then you'll get better results from your expensive eggs for a lifetime. In the long run it pays off, since only 2-3 lost batches of eggs buys your incubator"
I build a high Quality incubator and didn't cut corners anywhere. My hatches are 90% and Temps and Humidity are exactly what I want them to be. My temp never fluctuates even a tenth of a degree. To many people on here spend $50.00 on Building an incubator out of a fan/ light bulb and a water heater thermostat and wonder why hatches don't work out. You cant get anything but frustrated and worried for 21 days if you go cheap and use parts that are not really for incubators. Same way with your purchase of a good Quality Incubator. Buy something reputable and proven.(Not) cheap and It will Last and you'll never be frustrated.
Here's a pic of Mine. I spent a lot but I'll have great hatches for 20 years.

Wow Strader, you didn't fool around when you built yours! That's beautiful. Hard to believe it's 20 years old. Obviously you've taken good care of it. Did you build the cabinet also, or buy the cabinet ready-made and the components separately and then assemble them together? Either way, great job and proven success. Have you ever considered custom building incubators for customers? With this as your demonstration model, you'd probably get lots of business.

 

[Strader]

Its only 4 months old. I may not have worded that right. Digital Thermostat, Dual 100 watt heating Elements, four Axial 110 volt fans were from incubator warehouse. I built all of it myself. was a Machinist for 22 years and now a computer tech. I have done lots of woodworking and have very nice equipment also have done lots of Speaker building. I read everything I could read before building the incubator. Also looked at proven designs that have been around for a long time. Wanted to keep everything 110 volt and I used parts that can be replaced by anyone. No digital stuff that you can only buy from somewhere after waiting for a week. Even got a few back-up parts for the future.
Humidity tray and 5 gallon Water bucket are from GQF. Little giant 6300 egg trays. There are two 60 Watt LED bulbs in the rear for light inside. 3/8 thick Lexan in Door.


. I used a special glue that I have used for Speakers when applying real wood veneer, this is water resistant and great where humidity is an issue.
I certainly don't expect everyone to build a $600 dollar incubator, but I can relate to buying good parts or something nice that's already proven its reliability and been around awhile. Even if its $150 and a nice Brand that's got great reviews.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Oh goodness, you didn't word anything wrong Strader. I totally read it wrong. Where you said "I'll have great hatches for 20 years," I read "I've had great hatches for 20 years." Clearly, I need to eat dinner to get some energy to my brain. Well, 20 years old or 4 months old, it's gorgeous!