Which incubator?

[LuckyMic]

It was my birthday yesterday and my whole family pitched in together and contributed to my Incubator Fund. So now that I have enough money and am ready to buy, I have no idea what kind I actually want to buy.

So what do you all think? Brinsea, Hovabator, Little Giant? What features are a must-have, and which are just a waste of money?

I'd appreciate any help the incubation masters out there have for a first-timer like me!

 

[JDchicks]

I don't know about the others, but I have 2 little giants. Their temps and humidity fluctuate a lot. And they are read completely different. You will have to keep a really close eye on them. But I have been lucky and have hatched with them.

But if it were me and would be incubating regularly, I would invest in one of the higher priced ones. But best to get others opinions on them first.

 

[GAQuail]

How much do you have to spend and how many eggs would you incubate at any one time?

 

[LuckyMic]

I have around $400 and can put in a some more if it gets me what I really want. I was thinking I'd want to incubate around a dozen at a time... at least for now.

 

[GAQuail]

I have around $400 and can put in a some more if it gets me what I really want. I was thinking I'd want to incubate around a dozen at a time... at least for now.

I was going to recommend the GQF Genesis 1588 Hovabator with the digital display and still do recommend that incubator. With a auto turner it will cost you around $200. However with a budget of at least $400 you could get a Brinsea Octagon 20 Advance. I have no experience with the Brinsea but most on this forum consider it the Mercedes of small incubators. Its $393 with shipping direct from Brinsea. If you go to the Brinsea facebook page and signup for their newsletter you can get a code for 10% off.

 

[LuckyMic]

I have been looking at the Brinsea models, wondering if they're worth the expense. 10% off would certainly help - thanks for the heads up on that.

 

[Texasmja]

I researched a lot before I bought an incubator. I bought the Brinsea Eco 20. They are on sale on the Brinsea website for $129. I ordered it on Friday and received it on Wednesday. I am setting my first eggs tonight. I had questions and emailed them on Facebook and they got back to me fast. It took the incubator to get to the right temp 30 minutes and has held steady for 12 hours straight.

 

[LuckyMic]

I've been looking at the Brinsea Octagon Advance. Any thoughts? What about the Advance Ex? Is it worth the extra money?

 

[Texasmja]

I bought the manual turn one because I can always add the auto cradle later if I want and for the price and rave reviews from BYC users. I am planning on hatching shipped eggs and my own, I love the reliably of the temp and that I do not have to open the unit to turn the eggs. You just roll the unit to the sides. There are some You Tube videos, you can see the great hatch rates and how easy they are to use. Plus it has a two year warranty.