16 Best Egg Incubator in 2023 for Chicken [Fully Automatic Tuner]

An incubator is used to hatch eggs artificially. This egg hatching method replaces the brooding hen as it imitates the conditions necessary for producing chicks from fertilized eggs. You would need the best egg incubator to provide high-quality chicks from chicken, goose, duck, and other eggs.

But, how do you know you are getting the right incubator for your chicken or bird rearing project? There are many options available from which to choose. Reliable egg incubator reviews will help you narrow down your choices.

Top 5 Best Egg Incubators for Chicken Egg: Editor’s Choice

With such product reviews, you will get the full scoop on the different types of incubators, their features, and recommendations on the right ones to buy. This review and buyer’s guide goes a step further.

It answers the burning questions you may have about egg incubators and how they work.

So, are you ready to jump right in for the most appropriate egg incubator to buy?

16 Best Chicken Egg Incubator Reviews:

1. Digital Sportsman Cabinet Incubator 1502

Hatching your chicken eggs or eggs of other fowl is much more comfortable with the No. 1502 SPORTSMAN Cabinet Incubator. Not only does this incubator offer accurate humidity and temperature readings, but it also provides reliable and up to date information with its onboard computer. Every second, the incubator shows what is happening with the hatching environment.

The No. 1502 SPORTSMAN incubator comes with an egg turner that is controlled electronically. It also provides a viewer through which you can see the progress of your eggs. Actually, the 1502 SPORTSMAN is a two-in-one unit that is an incubator as well as a hatcher. It comes with three turning racks that are operated automatically, and a hatching tray located at the bottom.

This incubator is a good investment for persons who wish to hatch their own eggs. The No. 1502 SPORTSMAN is easily the best cabinet incubator you would ever need. It can incubate and hatch up to three sets of eggs at the same time. Of course, the oldest eggs would hatch first. Besides, the 1502 SPORTSMAN incubator is made with durable plastic to make it fully insulated, quiet, and easy to clean.

Highlighted Features

• The No. 1502 SPORTSMAN is both an incubator and a hatcher that allows the incubation and hatching of three sets of eggs with its incubator and a hatching tray;
• See everything clearly with the digital thermostat and LCD that show the humidity and temperature;
• Keep up to date with the onboard computer about everything that is happening during incubation;
• Automatic egg turner you don’t need to handle manually;
• Can be used to incubate and hatch 354 pheasant eggs, 1368 quail eggs (at a hatching rate of 250 per week), 270 chicken eggs, and 198 duck or turkey eggs, as well as 36-45 large eggs including peafowl, goose, and emu eggs;

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2. Magicfly Digital Mini Fully Automatic Egg Incubator

With the Magic fly Digital Mini Fully Automatic Egg Incubator you can incubate and hatch up to a dozen eggs. This egg incubator is a fully automatic and is quite easy to use. Not only will you achieve success in hatching duck, chicken, and goose eggs, but also your kids can learn from this simple incubator.

The Magic fly Digital Mini incubator is designed to be reliable and fun to use by the entire family. It is ideal for anyone who wants to incubate and hatch her eggs. The Magic fly incubator is molded and solid, so it makes temperature and humidity control more effective for egg incubation. The built-in electronic controls allow for the Magic fly Digital Mini incubator to function automatically. That is, this incubator electronically controls egg rotation, humidity, and temperature. With its LED monitors, you can also see the incubation data in real time.

Highlighted Features

• The Magic fly Digital Mini incubator is the best egg incubator, well designed to incubate up to 12 eggs;
• Its design and style are simple, and it is made with PP+ABS material that is healthy and durable;
• The egg turner is automatic – you don’t need to turn the eggs manually;
• Suitable for hatching goose, chicken, fowl, and duck eggs;
• The temperature is also controlled automatically so that the incubator is always at its optimal condition for hatching eggs.

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3. Farm Innovators Model 4250 Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner

However, if you need larger incubators, then the Farm Innovators Model 4250 Digital Circulated Air Incubator is the right choice. With this high capacity incubator, you can incubate and hatch up to 41 eggs. A convenient feature is the automatic egg turner that is also simple to use. Two easy to fill water channels help in providing humidity during incubation. They are conveniently located at the side of the incubator, so you don’t need to lift the lid to access them for adding water.

Furthermore, the heater is programmed to reach a factory pre-set temperature of 100° Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. Also, the Farm Innovators Model 4250 incubator automatically turns the eggs fully every four hours. This feature eliminates the need for you to handle the eggs during incubation. Hatch rate is also improved thanks to the integrated fan that sucks in and circulates the fresh air to keep the temperature stabilized. Keep on top of the incubation process with the digital display of humidity, temperature, and the countdown to the hatch date that are quite easy to read.

Highlighted Features

• The Farm Innovators Model 4250 features an automatic egg turner that eliminates the need to handle the eggs manually;
• Achieve superior hatch rate with this reliable incubator that holds 41 eggs;
• Monitor the humidity, temperature, and countdown to the hatch date with the digital display;
• This incubator also features a temperature flashing light signal that alerts you whenever the temp goes lower than 97° Fahrenheit or higher than 103° Fahrenheit;
• It comes with an egg candler so you can check on the egg’s incubation progress;
• This incubator model also features a large window for a clear view inside.

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4. Brinsea Products USAG47C Ovation 56 EX Fully Automatic Egg Incubator

For the best incubation results, also look to the Brinsea Products USAG47C Ovation 56 EX Fully Automatic Egg Incubator. The USAG47C Ovation design is an improvement resulting from years of innovation in incubator design by Brinsea Products.  Included in this incubator model is the Induced Dual Airflow that achieves consistent temperature ideal for successful hatching. By all indications, the Brinsea Products USAG47C Ovation incubator may be the best egg incubator for the money.

As a serious breeder of chickens and other fowls, or even as an amateur, you will appreciate the automatic features – humidity control, egg turning, temperature – that this versatile incubator offers. First, set the desired humidity level and warmth you need then allow the automatic controls to perform.

You can also set alarms if the room temperature falls higher or lower than the desired temperature for incubation. Furthermore, the egg turning, and fan supported air flow can be programmed for the best hatching results.  As with all Brinsea incubators, the Ovation 56 EX is made with a plastic that has been treated with a bio master additive that keeps bacteria away from the eggs. The incubator cabinet itself is sturdy and easy to clean and maintain.

With the Ovation 56 EX, you can incubate and hatch up to 56 poultry eggs. It can, however, incubate and hatch other sized eggs.

Highlighted Features

• This incubator features digital controls that are accurate and easy to use for reading the humidity, temperature, and egg turn status;
• Along with an integrated humidity pump, this model offers fully automatic humidity control;
• The automatic egg turning feature can be programmed to fit your incubation conditions;
• The Ovation 56 EX incubator has an egg capacity of 56 chicken eggs; It can also hold different types of eggs;
• It is made with ABS plastic that is durable and easy to clean.

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5. HovaBator Deluxe Egg Incubator Combo Kit

The Hova Bator Deluxe Egg Incubator Combo Kit is your reliable solution for hatching eggs for your business, hobby, or other purposes. Not only is this deluxe incubator a dependable product that serves its purposes, but it is a high producer as its hatch rate is among the highest among incubators. The Hova Bator Deluxe might be one of the best options available for professionals or amateurs alike.

In your package, you will get a Hova Bator 1602N incubator with a fan kit installed. Also, you will receive the Incu Turn egg turner that is automatic, the Incu Them hygrometer/thermometer, and the Incu Bright egg can dler These items together make the Hova Bator Deluxe the best egg incubator you will ever need.

You will also love how well the Hova Bator holds humidity. This incubator is also easy to use. You might need to monitor the temperature carefully to ensure that the Hova Bator maintains the correct conditions for egg incubation. That said, it is easy to make any temperature adjustments you need for the incubator to work effectively.

Highlighted Features

• The Hova Bator 1602N Deluxe is a combo kit that provides a complete egg incubation solution;
• The Forced Air Fan Kit that is also included helps to keep the temperature under control;
• Also, the Incu Turn™ egg turner automatically turns the eggs so that they are adequately incubated;
• Keep informed about the humidity and temperature with the Digital Hygrometer and Thermometer;
• With the Egg Candler, you will know how well your eggs are doing during the incubation process.

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6. Brinsea Mini Advance Hatching Egg Incubator

Another Brinsea incubator you can trust is the Brinsea Mini Advance Hatching Egg Incubator. It is among the best incubators produced by Brinsea Products, which has since 1976, provided high-quality bird and reptile incubation and breeding systems. Not only does the Brinsea incubator hatch your eggs, but it also keeps you up to date on the conditions during the incubation process.

With its microcontroller, this incubator manages the functions such as the temperature, the egg turner, and the countdown to hatching date. You can use a menu of features to make or adjust your settings. Furthermore, the Brinsea incubator uses temperature alarms whenever the conditions get too hot or cold. You can also view the incubation and hatching progress through the egg chamber, which has transparent sides, convenient for viewing.

Other useful features include the temperature settings that could either be Fahrenheit or Celsius, the air fan that keeps the air flow inside the incubator even and the rotating disk that can hold seven duck or hen eggs. Furthermore, the water reservoir keeps the water used to provide humidity during incubation. The Brinsea Mini Advance Hatching Incubator also consists of a cabinet that is made from durable polyurethane plastic. No bacteria will form on this oil and bacteria resistant cabinet, which is also resistant to UV radiation, abrasion, tearing, and chemicals.

Highlighted Features

• While the egg turner is fully automatic, you will need to use the water reservoir to maintain the humidity levels manually;
• The microcontroller manages various functions including temperature and humidity using a digital menu;
• Keep our eggs evenly covered with the warm air fan;
• View eggs that are about to hatch from the clear sided egg chamber;
• It takes a 12.0V main transformer to operate this incubator, which can use 18.0 watts of power;
• Dimensions are: 165.0 x 222.0mm/6.5 x 8.0 inches (Height x Width); It has a weight of 0.95kg/2.1lb which makes this a light-weight incubator.

7. Kemanner Automatic 48 Digital Clear Egg Incubator Hatcher Egg Turning

You may much prefer a larger incubator that can handle more eggs than other units. In that case, you are in luck with Kemanner Automatic 48 Digital Clear Egg Incubator Hatcher. With this incubator and hatcher, you can hatch as many as 48 eggs whether they are duck, chicken, quail, or goose eggs. It is easy to get the incubation results you need from the best incubators for chicken eggs.

At the ideal temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, your eggs will hatch with the Kemanner Automatic incubator. Also, the humidity conditions are maintained with the water channels and the air fan that are built in. Keep updated in real time on the temperature and humidity conditions during the incubation cycle with the LED display (temp, humidity, egg turning time, date to hatch). Alarms also alert you to any undesirable change in the temperature and humidity conditions.

Highlighted Features

• The Kemanner Automatic incubator is constructed with durable plastic and measures 18.5 inches or 47 cm (length), 18.5 inches or 47 cm (width), and 9 inches or 23 cm (height);
• This 48-egg capacity incubator is easy to clean and maintain;
• It is also straightforward to use;
• See the humidity, temperature, and other readings on the LED display;
• Works best for duck, chicken, goose, and other fowl eggs.

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8. IncuView All-In-One Automatic Egg Incubator with built-in Automatic Egg Turner

Although not the largest incubator on the market, the Incu View All-In-One Automatic Egg Incubator is among the best chicken incubator options to choose for your home use. The Incu View incubation unit is less costly than other incubators that are available. Despite its cheaper cost, the Incu View provides the same features that higher priced incubators carry.

So, temperature control by Incu View is through a thermostat that manages and adjusts the temperature as needed using different amounts of power from a 40-watt heater. You don’ t need to turn the thermostat on or off with this precise temperature control mechanism offered by the Incu View automatic incubator. Furthermore, this incubator works at a pre-set temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the best temperature for most eggs. You can always adjust the temp easily if you like. With a more accurate temperature, your hatch rate will remain high.

It is also easy for you to read the digital display for temperature and other information. Other useful features are the built-in digital hygrometer and humidity rings that show the humidity conditions around the clock. Information on humidity is not only about its percent, but also the humidity range you should maintain during each incubation stage.

Highlighted Features

• The IncuView incubator can hold up to 27 eggs of various sizes up to goose eggs;
• It is made of sturdy plastic and designed with a transparent viewing dome through which you can see the eggs during incubation and hatching;
• Temperature is automatically controlled whether it is in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit;
• Eggs are turned six times per day with the built-in automatic turner (you can adjust the number of turns);
• Know ahead of time the due date for hatching as the timer that is built-in keeps track of the hatch date for you.

9. GQF Manufacturing 1602N Hova-Bator Incubator

The GQF 1602N Hova Bator Incubator is another solution from the makers of the Hova Bator brand -trusted by users worldwide. Considered the best egg incubator in the world (among small incubators), the Hova Bator is designed to use the Thermal Air Flow system in the incubation process. This incubator is also quite affordable for anyone who desires to do their incubation and hatching.

With a radiant heat tube, you can warm the interior of your incubator, as well as the eggs and the air around them (thermal air flow). Furthermore, as the warm air flows out of the incubator’s exhaust vents, fresh air is drawn in from the bottom. It is the same warm air that helps the chicks as they hatch to dry them and keep them warm. You can also use the two small windows located at the top of the incubator for viewing the eggs during every incubation stage.

If, however, you are looking for an incubator that comes with an automatic egg turner or a built-in fan, this is not the incubator for you. Instructions may help you to set up and use your incubator to achieve the hatching results you want.

Highlighted Features

• Considered the world’s best small incubator, the GQF 1602 N Hova-Bator features a thermal air flow system that gets the incubation job done;
• Warm air is gently circulated to keep the temperature and humidity conditions inside the incubator at the right levels for successful incubation;
• View the eggs as often as you like with the two small windows;
• This incubator can be safely utilized for quail, chicken, guinea fowl, and duck eggs;
• This incubator is quite easy to set up and use.

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10. Egg Incubator, HBlife 9-12 Digital Fully Automatic Incubator for Chicken Eggs

Finally, there is the HBlife 9-12 Digital Fully Automatic Incubator for your consideration. This model is a small incubator that holds nine chicken eggs. Comfortably fitting on your tabletop, this incubator provides a simple to use solution for hatching chicken, goose, and duck eggs. It is also quite easy to use, and you will be impressed at its versatility, despite its small size.

That said, you might find it a little hard to clean the electronic areas of the incubator, although, generally, it is easy to clean. The side view allows you to see the eggs and also the chicks as they hatch.  However, if you are in the United States, you would need to get used to the temperature readings, which is only in degrees Celsius. You would need to adjust your thermostat to the Celsius equivalent of 99° Fahrenheit.

The HBlife incubator is also efficient in keeping the humidity conditions perfect for incubating and hatching your eggs. You don’t need to do much to keep the humidity conditions right. Also, the automatic egg turning function keeps your eggs evenly covered so that they can hatch successfully.

Highlighted Features

• The HBlife 9-12 Digital incubator is convenient to use for a small number of eggs – up to 12 eggs;
• It is constructed with PC+ABS material that is durable and does not contain harmful chemicals;
• It can incubate nine eggs at a time, and the fully automatic functions free you from having to turn eggs or keep the incubator humid manually;
• The bright digital display of the temperature (only in degrees Celsius) makes it easy for you to see the temp whenever you need to;
• This incubator is a space saver, and even a small table top is enough space for this small incubator.

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11. Brinsea Products Manual Egg Incubator

Simplicity has it all why Brinsea Products Manual Egg Incubators continue gaining a following for many decades now. They make the best incubators for beginners indulging in the poultry industry. Brinsea uses easy tamper-proof electronic controllers to set the appropriate hatching temperatures to provide reliable hatching results. Moreover, users shouldn’t worry about incubator temperatures since they have flash indicators showing the temperature is under control.

Construction of the incubator cabinet incorporates high-grade ABS that makes them durable and easy to clean. What makes them exemplary are their foam-filled and double-skinned bases that prevent heat loss during the incubation period. This leads to even temperature distribution as well as reduced energy consumptions.

Consequently, they feature computerized grade fans, vent sliders, and water reservoirs to control the conditions inside. The fans with the unique grills couple up to ensure there is even temperature circulation in the machine. On the other hand, venture sliders control fresh air circulation as the water reservoirs maintain the required humidity for hatching.

Brinsea Products Manual Egg Incubators can hold up to 24 eggs of varied sizes, both small and large. They have removable trays with adjustable dividers to provide sufficient room to accommodate the manufacturer’s set number. Furthermore, the designer constructed the top clear to provide excellent visibility to the chicks and eggs alike. Turning of eggs is manual, and experts recommend doing it twice a day throughout the incubation period.

Pros

Quality constructed incubators
Simple to use and excellent results
Have valued-added features
Sufficient accommodation space

Cons

Controlling humidity is a nightmare
Hard to maintain them

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12. R-Com RCOM Max 20 MX20 Fully AUTOMATIC Digital Egg INCUBATOR

With 20 eggs holding capacity, R-Com RCOM Max 20 MX20 makes the most reliable incubators around. They employ automatic temperature and humidity sensors to adjust to appropriate levels for hatching. Users should worry less about handling eggs, even the delicate ones, throughout the incubation process. R-Com RCOM Max 20 MX20 incubators have sophisticated movement platforms and automatic turners to facilitate the turning process.

Sufficient circulation of air in an incubator is paramount for effective hatching. R-Com RCOM Max 20 MX20 incubators have air control levers responsible for controlling the machine’s amount of air. Moreover, their top surfaces are transparently designed to ensure sufficient visibility to the eggs and chicks.

What makes R-Com RCOM Max 20 MX20 unmatched is their airflow technology that prevents direct touch by fan air. At times, drastic temperature changes from the outside environmental agents might arise that can affect hatching. These incubators feature indicators that alert owners of abnormal changes in temperature and adjust them as required. The precise temperature read-out function also provides an idea about the current temperatures for easy adjustment.

Furthermore, R-Com RCOM Max 20 MX20 incubators have vent holes to allow in the fresh air. Manufacturers construct egg trays with a universal design to accommodate both small and larger eggs. Unlike other models, the egg trays’ bases get designed with skid-resistance flooring that prevents possibilities of deforming the chicks’ legs.

Pros

They have automatic turners
Employs airflow technology
Perfect for both small and large eggs
Excellent performers

Cons

Requires owners to monitor humidity
The manufacturer doesn’t calibrate them before shipping

13. Incubators Gift Set for Kids, Fully Automatic Egg Incubator

Here are durable egg incubators that form the best options for kids curious about learning the hatching process. Constructed durable ABS, these incubators can hold between 9 and 35 eggs and give excellent results with minimal fuss. What makes them exemplary is their bright egg candlers that enable owners to monitor the eggs through the hatching process.

These are also the most versatile and user-friendly egg incubators in the market for poultry farmers worldwide. Customer packages include an incubator, power cable, and manual guides that enlighten users on using the machines appropriately. They feature LED screens that display information regarding the operating temperature, humidity, turning, and hatching time. Owners simply require inserting eggs and setting appropriate temperatures and humidity to start the hatching process.

Most people attain a high hatch rate due to the automatic turning of eggs after every two hours. Egg trays have a hollow basket-like design to ensure there is proper circulation of air inside during hatching. Moreover, these luxury designed incubators feature alarm systems that alert owners of temperature and humidity changes to make appropriate adjustments.

Furthermore, you can use these incubators to hatch a variety of eggs. They are excellent for poultry function, hatching chicken eggs, quail, goose, pigeon, turkey, duck eggs, and many more. However, the carrying capacity differs; for instance, they hold up to 12 chicken eggs, 4 geese, and 35 quail eggs.

Pros

They are versatile
Simple to use
Ultra-durable egg incubators
Excellent performers

Cons

Horrible control functions
Not sufficient carrying capacity

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14. Magicfly Digital Fully Automatic Egg Incubator 24 Eggs Poultry Hatcher

Starter poultry farmers should give these egg incubators and testify the outcome after the hatch. Manufacturers construct Magicfly Digital Fully Automatic Incubators using durable PP+ABS materials safe for the eggs and chicks alike. Moreover, their construction involves a simple design with transparent tops for owners to observe the hatching process.

Like other incubator models, Magicfly Digital Fully Automatic Egg Incubators are versatile and hatch various eggs. They make the best option for hatching chicken eggs and duck eggs, geese, and turkey eggs. Their carrying capacity is likewise appealing; depending on the egg sizes, they can hold up to 24 eggs.

Consequently, using Magicfly Digital Fully Automatic Egg Incubators is a breeze due to their simple functions and design. Customer packages include the machine, a power cable, and user manuals to guide owners on using them. Also, all the essential components will enable customers to monitor their eggs to ensure they stay safe.

Nevertheless, farmers don’t require turning the eggs manually to facilitate efficient hatching. They have automatic turners that help to rotate eggs at a specified period without necessarily doing it manually. However, their turners are invisible, and people think they aren’t working if you lack an idea about these models. Lastly, manufacturers advise customers to take heat preservation measures whenever ambient temperatures go as low as 25 degrees C.

Pros

They are more versatile
Simple to use
Excellent and sufficient carrying capacity
Best for beginners in poultry farming

Cons

Struggles in maintaining temperature
Poor customer services

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15. GQF Genesis Hova-Bator

A rarely popular model, but people have tried it and testified they make the most efficient options around. GQF Genesis Hova-Bator incubators have turbofans to ensure there is sufficient circulation of fresh air inside the machine. Circulated air in the incubator is ideal for the hatching process as well as for even heat distribution. Maintaining enough heat is the solution for an efficient hatching process and excellent results.

Moreover, GQF Genesis Hova-Bator incubators are automatic machines that users should not continually monitor for them to hatch. Usually, all these models arrive already set to the normal hatching temperatures and humidity. However, certain environmental factors might affect these levels and make them change either high or low. GQF Genesis Hova-Bator incubators display the temperature and humidity information on the screen interchangeably after about two seconds. Whenever there is drastic drift from the set limits, users should adjust them manually to normal operational limits.

Most people love incubators with turners to reduce the hassles involved in turning eggs to achieve maximum hatch. Unfortunately, GQF Genesis Hova-Bator incubators lack automatic turners, and owners require to turn their eggs manually. However, there still exist turners sold separately from the manufacturer to aid in the automatic turning process. Those who need to use batteries as backups to run their machines should get a 12V battery adapter for it.

Pros

They arrive calibrated
Excellent performers
Easy to use
Versatile egg incubators

Cons

Not accurate
Aren’t durable

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16. Brinsea Products USAC26C Maxi II Advance Automatic 14 Egg Incubator,

We have another Brinsea product incubator that has proved beyond expectation the efficiency in this industry. Being the easiest to use, these models feature transparent tops to enable owners to monitor the hatching process. Moreover, Brinsea Products USAC26C Maxi II are the most hygienic and safest models in the market. Manufacturers design them using hygienic ABS plastic materials for hygienic purposes and ease to clean.

These models come in three versions and feature different specifications for efficiency and result purposes. The versions include Maxi II Eco, Maxi II Advance, and Maxi II EX, the top brand. Maxi II Eco version has proportionally designed temperature functions but lacks an automatic turner. They have a holding capacity of up to 20 chicken eggs and are the best options for armature hatchers.

Consequently, Maxi II Advance feature fully digitalized control functions; these include programmable automatic turning, parameter alarms, and a wide display. Users can monitor operating temperature levels as well as count down towards the hatching day. Lastly, the Maxi II EX is the top range version, and they have something that makes them exemplary of others. They lack the countdown function but instead, they include a digital display and fully automated humidity control functions.

Pros

Easy to set up and use
Cleaning is a breeze
Excellent performers
More versatile

Cons

Doesn’t maintain humidity
Fail to perform abruptly

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Buying Guide: Things To Consider When Select Egg Incubator

Now that you are sure you need an egg incubator, the next thing to do is to check on the things you need to know when shopping for one. Naturally, you would have thought of the reason you wanted one in the first place. Is it to do incubation as a hobby? What about as a way to cut out the middle-man in your chicken or bird rearing business? Whatever your reasons, here are the key things to look out for when buying the best egg incubator.

The Type of Incubator:

 

There are so many brands and models of egg incubators to choose from. You would, therefore, need to confirm the specs for the type of incubator that fits your purpose. Note though that the cheaper brands are typically designed with manual controls. With such incubators, you would need to monitor the humidity, temperature, and egg turner carefully and adjust daily. More expensive incubator models are usually automatic, so the incubator does all the functions for you.

The Size:

Depending on the scale of your business, you would also need to consider the size of the incubator you need to buy. Large incubators hold more eggs than smaller incubators. If your operation is a large scale one, then the bigger incubator is the best option. Small, tabletop models are suitable for individuals who incubate on a small scale. Your choice also depends on the size of the area in your home or elsewhere where you will need to place the incubator.

Forced Air vs. Still Air:

You will find egg incubators that also come with a fan built-in. The forced air incubator, as it is called, carries a fan to assist in distributing warm air throughout the incubator. Good air circulation helps in the incubation process by keeping the eggs ventilated. Still air incubators do not come with a built-in fan. You will need to turn the eggs manually. If you prefer the automatic incubator with the built-in fan, then this would be the better choice for higher hatch yields. That is because the automatic incubator also maintains the temperature settings at the pre-set levels. It also keeps humidity at acceptable levels for the incubation process.

The Type of Eggs:

The type of eggs you intend to incubate will determine the kind of incubator you must purchase. Large, multi-purpose incubators are flexible enough to handle different types of eggs, including chicken, goose, duck, quail, and other eggs. Smaller, less versatile incubators, however, may only be suitable for one or two types of eggs. Check with your supplier to ensure that the incubator that is being purchased is the right one for the eggs you intend to incubate. You may like our top product review: Best Chicken Plucker.

Ease of Use:

One consideration when buying an incubator is how effortless is it to use. Most brands boast that their products are easy to use and are hassle-free. Egg incubators can be technical if you don’t understand how to use them. The benefit of easy to use incubators includes a higher hatch success rate. Instructions should be clear and easy to follow. You shouldn’t have any difficulty monitoring and adjusting humidity, temperature, ventilation, and the turning of the egg. Automatic incubators require less of your time than the basic, manually controlled incubator.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Other things you could think about include your budget and whether you can afford the incubator being offered. Your location may be a factor since not all areas allow incubators, especially the large ones owing to space and other restrictions.  Also, the temperature conditions at your location may affect your choice, especially where the temperature and humidity are always high.

How to Use Egg Incubator

First of all, put your incubator where the temperature is consistent. Plug it in. Pour warm water into the humidity pan (check your manual for directions). Adjust heat to between 99°F and 102°F (37.2° and 38.9° C). Wait 24 hours for the temp to be steady. Wash your hands before handling the eggs to avoid transmitting contamination. Mark eggs, like “X” and “O” (for tracking).

Place fertilized eggs on their sides inside the incubator, with the pointy end slightly lower.  Track your progress to hatch date (some incubators do this automatically). Turn eggs at least three times per day (automatic incubators do this for you). Change the humidity level when necessary. The ideal humidity is around 45 to 50 percent until the last three days when it should go up to 65 percent. Also, check and adjust airflow inside the incubator.

After around 7 to 10 days, candle your eggs to check on the embryo’s development. Remove eggs that do not have viable embryos.

Three days before the estimated hatch date, stop turning the eggs. Leave incubator closed during this period so that the chicks may hatch.

Allow four to six hours for chicks to be dry then remove them from the incubator.

Clean the incubator for the next batch of eggs.

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Frequently Ask Question About Egg Incubator

1. What is a Good Egg Incubator?

By a “good” egg incubator, do you mean the best incubator for your purposes? The incubator that is a good one for you may be the still air or basic incubator, or the one that is completely automatic. If your budget is a factor, then the cheaper incubator would be right for you. That said, the more affordable incubator requires more work compared with the more expensive but fully automatic incubator. The basic incubator is also easy to use, and they get the job done just as well as the more expensive incubator. With the still air incubator, however, you would need to check on it during the day to ensure that the eggs are being adequately incubated.

On the other hand, the forced air incubators are also automatic, so you don’t have to do much once you put the eggs inside. The built-in fan circulates warm air throughout the incubator. These incubators are better at keeping temperature and humidity levels consistent so that hatching is more successful. If you were to choose between the basic and advance incubator, you might also need to consider your situation first.

2. How Much does Egg Incubator Cost?

The cost of egg incubators varies based on the type of incubator, their features, and other factors. That said, there is a range of costs for incubators. If you consider what your supplier is offering, you will find incubators ranging from $40.00 to around $350. Of course, costs will also depend on whether the incubator is on sale or a special offer from suppliers and manufacturers. In that case, the prices will change. The rule of thumb, however, is that the basic, manually controlled incubator is typically cheaper than the fully automatic, forced air incubator. At whatever cost, you will be able to find the best egg incubator on the market that would be the perfect fit for your needs.

3. What Temperature Should my Incubator be For Chicken Eggs?

As with most eggs, the temperature settings for the chicken egg can be set around 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal for the incubation of fowl eggs, and as long as you are monitoring the way your incubator distributes its heat, you will get the best hatching results. Lower temperatures usually result in non-incubation or weak chicks. If you are using a fan-assisted incubator, then the temperature settings for your chicken eggs would be between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If, however, your incubator is not air-assisted (no fan), then you will need a higher temperature of 102 degrees. Remember, extreme temperatures (too hot and too cold) will harm your eggs.

4. What Temperature Will kill Chicken Eggs?

The ideal temperature for incubating any egg is 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.2 and 38.9 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit will kill your egg.  Another consideration for the temperature you select for incubation is whether you are using a still air or a fan assisted incubator. If you are using a still air incubator, you would need higher temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. It is, therefore, good practice to monitor the temperature settings of your incubator to avoid mistakenly harming your eggs. Of course, low temperatures also create havoc in the incubation process. Apart from the first ten days after an egg is laid, during which it can stay in a lower temperature, eggs for incubation cannot stay in low temperatures for extended periods.  Low temperatures will prevent the embryo from developing inside the egg. A useful feature on any incubator is the high and low temperature alarm that alerts you whenever the temperature of your incubator goes outside the maximum or minimum ranges.

5. Do I Need to Have Back-Up Power?

Incubation requires a steady or consistent supply of energy in the form of heat and light. So, in the event of a power blackout, you would need back-up power to keep your incubator functioning. Automatic, forced air incubators would require power consistently compared with the basic, manual incubator that does not need as much energy to function.

6. Should you wash eggs before incubating?

Most novice poultry farmers mind about visual cleanliness of the eggs to increase the hatch rate. However, experts can tell you that stressing good nesting facilities is of important than cleaning the eggs. Farmers can reduce contamination by ensuring they collect eggs frequently before they get into contact with dirt. In incubation, washing eggs before putting them in an incubator is not necessary at all.

There are small pores on the eggshells that permit the entry of bacteria while washing them. Moreover, the shells provide the natural defense against the entry of any bacteria into the egg. Washing them will erase or take away this protective layer to provide a way for bacteria to enter.

Furthermore, water forms the best medium bacteria will use to swim into the egg. A lot of bacteria overwhelms the egg and thereby destroying it and prevent them from hatching. Usually, experts recommend incubating dirty eggs in separate incubators from the cleaner ones.

7. Can you put dirty eggs in incubator?

Most people develop a dilemma of cleaning eggs before incubating to increase the hatch rate. But then, how much dirt is on those eggs that you would wish to clean before incubating them? As a farmer, you might have read from online resources that cleaning eggs is the best way bacteria gains entry. Moreover, dirt on the eggs contains many bacteria that can destroy them to stop the hutching process.

You can incubate dirty eggs and still get a hatch but not the exact rate when you used clean eggs. Washing them has many consequences that even destroy everything more than if you incubated them while dirty. However, experts recommend incubating dirty eggs in separate incubators with clean ones to avoid spreading contamination.

8. How long can a chick stay in incubator after hatching?

Usually, most chicks will start to hatch from as early as the 18th day and others after the 21st day. Most of us get into confusion about how long to leave the newborns rolling in the machine after hatching. After a hatch, don’t mind about feeding them, and there are days experts suggest they can survive inside the machine.

Now, chicks should stay between 24 and 48 hours before move out to get used to the environment. After they get out, they will need to spend a lot of time resting before introducing anything. While in the incubator, they usually knock the eggs to encourage other chicks to breakthrough faster and join them.

9. What happens if eggs don’t hatch in 21 days?

Typically, hatching starts on the 18th day, and most chicks will come out during the 21st day. The hatching process will take even longer than these stipulated times if they underwent cooling before incubation. After the 21st day, you should give the remaining eggs more days waiting for the delayed chicks.

Usually, experts advise farmers to give the eggs extra days up to the 23rd day. Factors like poor timing as well as temperature and humidity changes can lead to such delays. During this time, you will candle the eggs and observe the progress of the content inside. Consider the 24th day the last time to wait, and it’s time to take off the unhatched eggs.

10. What to do if a chick is stuck in the egg?

It’s rare and, at the same time, a common thing chicks to stuck in eggs. However, the number of chicks stuck is low in every hatch, and some factors lead to such scenarios. General weakness is one of the common reasons since breaking through shells requires a lot of physical labor.

Another thing that can lead to such problems is low or high humidity than the standard set during incubation. Usually, it’s not recommended helping the chicks out of their shell due to several reasons. In such cases, you can use tweezers to break the shell slowly to get it out. However, remain careful not to destroy any attachment membrane in the process.

Final Verdict on Egg Incubator

So, there is nothing like the best egg incubator reviews to give you the information you need to make the right selections. Not only are you given a preview of the ten recommended incubator you should buy, but you are also provided with useful pointers on what to consider. With such information, choosing your incubator isn’t so bad after all. The bottom line is that the right incubator will do the work you want it to do and provide successful hatches every time. In the end, you shouldn’t be disappointed. After all, an incubator is an investment you won’t want to waste.

Resource:

https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/chicken-egg-incubator.html

https://www.mypetchicken.com/hatching-eggs/chapter-5-choosing-an-incubator-incubation-tips.aspx