Which of these incubators should I get?

[julskinka]

I was going to hatch this month, but the farm innovations I had previously had to be returned to its rightful owner. Frankly, I wasn't super impressed with it anyway. So, it's going to be next month, and I need a new incubator. I'm a little overwhelmed with the choices! Which of these would you get? Why? If not one of these, what?

Nurture Right 360 - 22 eggs, $140
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/harris-farms-nurture-right-360#

Magicfly - 24 eggs $120 (with a coupon)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XX5P6VX/?tag=backy-20

HovaBator 2370 w/ turner - 48 eggs, $127 with shipping
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/egg-incubators/combokits/hova-bator-2370-combo-kits.html


Edited to add: Hovabator 2370 as suggested below

 

[Mosey2003]

Of the two choices listed, I'd choose the Nature Right. It's from a US company and many have used it successfully.

Personally, I use GQF HovaBators. Since most prefer digital controls to the wafer that I use, you could get the 2370 for $64.99 and add a turner for $45.99.
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/hova-bator-2370-electrnic-thermostat-hova-bator.html
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/egg-incubator-accessories/hova-bator-egg-turner-chicken.html

Which is $110.98 before tax and shipping. But, then you get a trusted brand that's been used for many many years, is made in the USA, and Incubator Warehouse provides wonderful customer support. And, oh yeah, it holds *42* chicken eggs.

So, that's my opinion(s).

 

[Ms Biddy]

I've learned there's no perfect incubator, but those are both recommended often and I think either would be a good choice. I would personally go with the Nurture Right because Harris Farms is an American company that you can call and actually talk to a person if you have issues. I've heard they have very good customer service.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

x2 on @Mosey2003's GQF Hova Bator recommendation - I have the 2370 and two 1588s. If you have the patience to deal with a wafer thermostat still air unit, the 1602N comes in at even less than the 2370 or 1588...but I started with a 1602 as an incubator newbie and it drove me batty. Now, I think I could probably work with it and have good hatches.

If you're incubating expensive eggs, you might consider a Brinsea. I have the older model Octagon Advance 20 and it is rock solid. With any incubator, I'd definitely get a separate thermometer and hygrometer, too.

Have fun!

 

[Mosey2003]

Yes, the 1602n with the wafer thermometer takes either experience or guidance to use well. It works great for me because I had a source of information on exactly how to use it. You really want to use a pair of calibrated (by you) dial thermometers for a wet and dry bulb, and you have to break it in and really stretch the wafer before you set. If you want to go to the work to do that, it's been rock solid for me. But it takes some work to set up and dial in.

 

[julskinka]

x2 on
If you're incubating expensive eggs, you might consider a Brinsea. I have the older model Octagon Advance 20 and it is [B]rock[/B] [B]solid[/B]. With any incubator, I'd definitely get a separate thermometer and hygrometer, too.

I would LOVE a brinsea octogon, but I can't seem to find one anywhere! They don't make them anymore, do they?

 

[Mosey2003]

I would LOVE a brinsea octogon, but I can't seem to find one anywhere! They don't make them anymore, do they?

It looks like they've discontinued them, though they do sell the parts. You may be able to find one used. Honestly though, the only thing the Brinsea has that I would prefer over my GQF is the plastic, which would be easier to clean. I like being able to use my own thermometers through the styrofoam base though. And gosh golly they're expensive!

 

[julskinka]

Of the two choices listed, I'd choose the Nature Right. It's from a US company and many have used it successfully.

Personally, I use GQF HovaBators. Since most prefer digital controls to the wafer that I use, you could get the 2370 for $64.99 and add a turner for $45.99.
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/hova-bator-2370-electrnic-thermostat-hova-bator.html
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/egg-incubator-accessories/hova-bator-egg-turner-chicken.html

Which is $110.98 before tax and shipping. But, then you get a trusted brand that's been used for many many years, is made in the USA, and Incubator Warehouse provides wonderful customer support. And, oh yeah, it holds *42* chicken eggs.

So, that's my opinion(s).

So, I looked this up, and it looks like this package comes with an automatic egg turner:
Basic Kit, $99
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/hova-bator-2370-basic-kit.html
The included turner is this one (Incuturn, $39.99 sticker, so $5 savings):
https://incubatorwarehouse.com/catalog/product/view/id/849/s/incuturn-egg-turner-hb/
The one you recommended is an option for an extra $15, which means you actually spend $5 extra buying as a package instead of just buying them separately. How silly.

Anyway, is it worth buying up from the "incuturn" turner? It looks like the eggs are held in a different orientation (side up instead of air cell up). My instinct is with shipped eggs in particular that would be important?

Either way - I'll see if I can add a HovaBator to the poll!

NB: 48 eggs will only get me in trouble!

 

[Mosey2003]

I didn't link the option for the IncuTurn because honestly, I hated it. I sent it back and exchanged for a "real" turner (the upright yellow one). Some people do like the IncuTurn, but I KNOW I can trust the upright turner, so that's what I always recommend.

If you want to get that package with it and try it out, Incubator Warehouse will exchange it for an upright if you pay the difference when you send it back. That's what I did. They have great support, when my turner motor died after only one use they sent me a new one free of charge. I really like them.

Editing to add: the reason I hated it was because instead of rolling the eggs, many of them just turned sideways and got all askew. If you were incubating very large eggs, the thing might work better (in my opinion). The extra egg capacity is nice if you want to stagger hatches, too. But, you'd need a second one for hatching if you did that I figure it's just like coops, always go as big as you can because you never know

 

[Below frigid]

Personally I use the broody hen model nature's perfect incubator.