The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: swm on July 05, 2011, 09:54:18 pm

Title: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: swm on July 05, 2011, 09:54:18 pm

Hi,

can anyone give me a recommendation for a smallish incubator, preferably with automatic turning that would be suitable for just a few dozen eggs per year. I have only used broody hens until now and have been pleased with the Brinsea kit I have used but are their incubators any good? I hope to increase my flock next spring but would like to take advantage of any end of season bargains (if they still exist). Folks I have spoken to suggest keeping to the broody route but I would like the option of a little more control

TIA

Sam

Title: Re: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: jaykay on July 05, 2011, 09:59:32 pm

Does depend on what you want to spend. I have the Octagon20 with turning cradle and humidity pump and am very pleased with it. Downside is it's expensive (upside was I got some birthday money that helped  ;))

Title: Re: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: swm on July 05, 2011, 10:08:22 pm

Hi,

Could you tell me which model as there appear to be a number of octagon 20s. There is the Eco semi, the Eco Auto, The Advance Semi, The Advance Auto and the Advance Ex (all in increasing prices)

TIA

Sam

Title: Re: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: jaykay on July 05, 2011, 10:15:03 pm

The last one! (advance ex)

Title: Re: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: MelRice on July 05, 2011, 11:12:20 pm

I use the mini Brinsea, It only holds 7 eggs (which is an odd number if you are bying in eggs). I had full hatch rate with my Bantam eggs  and no fertile failures with the quail eggs. Im planning duch eggs next. I did have a light sussex that went broody just after the bantams hatched. The advantage of a brody is that she looks after them as they are growing up too. Ours keeps the other hens and the cats well away from her babies. I think even the odd low flying hawk takes one look at her and decides not to bother!

Title: Re: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: Eggs, Chicks & Hens on July 06, 2011, 09:08:27 am

I just sold a R- Com King Suro holds 24 eggs fully automatic, excellent little inci, had great results each time, only sold it as I needed a biggar one.Cheaper than the Brinsea as well, Try "The Incubator Shop" at Beverley, they are great guys, free postage as well!

Title: Re: Incubator Recommendation
Post by: jaykay on July 06, 2011, 11:02:16 am

Or Practical Poultry forum, which has a 'second hand deadstock' section in it's mart bit and often has good small incubators for sale, for exactly this reason, people get hooked and trade up. So watch out swm  :D