Which model of incubator to buy

[Frogdogtimestwo]

I want opinions on which incubator I should purchase. I want to stay in the 150.00 or so range and this will be for chickens and turkey eggs. It has to have a turner. I thought I would get the Hovabator 1588 but I also see they have other models and I am unsure of what to get. I would like it to be fairly straight forward with not a lot of tinkering needed. I appreciate all the suggestions and opinions from experienced hatchers. I know this conversation has been hashed out a lot but has anyone been shopping and price comparing lately, I would really appreciate the help. TIA

*ETA What is a good sale or price to pay for a 1588? Who has the best customer service?

 

[TheFarmMama]

I have a HovaBator 1588 and a 1602. I'd never buy another 1602 ever again, better off to spend the money initially to get something reliable and easy to use. No messing with the temps on the 1588, just fill the trays to desired humidity and you're good to go. I have to refill mine about every 2-3 days and that's it. Ebay has them the cheapest I've seen and I searched around a lot. I love my Genesis, wouldn't use anything else. Ebay has them for $171 including shipping and turner. Hope you find what you're looking for!

 

[SarahFair]

You can get an LG with a turner and Fan for about $150. I have a LG still air and it works good.
Some people really dont like them but I think with the fan they work just as well..

 

[Mahonri]

Get a Hovabator 1588 or wait till the Brinsea Octogon20 Advance Ex is on sale.

 

[darbella]

Stay away from the LG's, I have lost hundreds of dollars in eggs with that model. Then I got the 1602 Hovabator with fan. I dont use a turner as I set the eggs in cartons and tip the incubator 3-4 times a day. You can fit in a lot more eggs that way too! Then I broke down and also got the 1588, pre-set, plugged it in and within an hour it is up to temp and has not lost a micro-degree of heat! I got it on ebay for 120.00 including shipping and it was here in 4 days! I set 5 dozen eggs and every one of them so far are developing.
ETA: if you are home all day and have the time to monitor the temp on the LG then it might work for you, but I and many others on BYC have talked about how if the wind blows outdoors, the LG looses temp! LOL

 

[jamesrm]

Buy a used gqf on eBay for 300 or so sportsman 1502

 

[Katy]

I've got three 1588s and a 1590 and I have good luck with them.

 

[KristaChickenWhisperer]

I have had two horrible hatches with and LG still air. (NONE of the 2 dozen eggs hatched. In fact only ONE went full term but then died before it could hatch because I had such troubles regulating temp and humidity.)

I just installed the fan into it so I am crossing my fingers it works a little better. Not holding my breath though.