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Post by Kickingbird on Jan 13, 2004 13:25:06 GMT -5
I tried to list the incubators that most small breeders can afford. Vote, then if you have a comment please let us know about your experience!
KB
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Post by PoultryGuy on Jan 14, 2004 12:33:49 GMT -5
Regarding incubators in general.
I have built a few of my own, and then I purchased two GQF Sportsmans (slightly used) for dirt cheap. I've been happy with their performance and efficiency. I only have to set the controls once and the vents didn't change location either. I would recommend the larger 5 gallon humidity system though, adding water every other day can be a pain in the neck, lol.
This year I'll be picking up a d-i-c-k-e-y Hatcher (sorry, site default won't let me spell out his name, darn parental controls!, lol.). He's the same guy who designed the Sportsman for GQF, and his prices are competative.
Dan
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Post by stanscrbirds on Jan 14, 2004 19:33:18 GMT -5
I think anyone in my age bracket that have done birds has tried to build an incubator at one time or another. And I do think that sportsman incubator is okay, with modifications. The first thing I do is disassemble it . And turn the machine upside down. To where the heating element and the water tray is on the bottom. All the controls, motors and fans are left where they are, you just have to change the linkage for the turning trays and brackets that hold the trays. Then wrap it with insulation board, so it reduces it heat loss. I use these when I was breeding the exotic pheasant, Temmincks, Impeyans and such. Where temperature and humidity are crucial. For chickens, a machine set this way is a no brainer. Done other modifications just for ease of operation. If interested contact me and I'll let you know. Stan
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Post by steveb on Mar 18, 2004 15:14:39 GMT -5
I didn't know that Dickey designed the Sportman. Interesting. I bought one (barely used) last fall. I have it fired up and plan to put the first eggs in this next weekend.
It has been on a test run for about 2 weeks now and seems to be very stable.
I also got a Roll-X (used) last year and found it worked well.
I have been through 2 Brower Top Hatch (the first failed after the first season and they sent me a replacement). I have mixed results.
I need to make a hatcher....just got to get the time.
Steve
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Post by flloyddilley on Sept 19, 2004 1:36:13 GMT -5
:)I didn't have much money for an incubator so I got a no frills hovabator. I hand turn my own eggs and have no fan, but I still get 85%-100% hatches. I am very happy with it, sure beats that little chick chick dome bator.  |
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Post by Kickingbird on Sept 19, 2004 8:12:04 GMT -5
flloyddilley, There is nothing wrong with that! Most of us hard-core chicken ppl started with hovabators or something similar. I'm so cheap I started with hens I should advertise "free incubator with every hen" Sets about 12 eggs once or twice a year and hatches near 100% every time! Welcome to the forum. Mark ps. If you have a chance get a plastic liner for the bottom of your hovabator, it will help keep it clean. Other wise bacteria may build up in the spaces in the foam and your hatch rate will suffer....eventualy. |
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Post by flloyddilley on Sept 19, 2004 16:23:12 GMT -5
;)Thanks so much for the welcome, this board seems nicer than that poultry connection place, LOL Luckily enough bator came with liner, and it is full of a little bit of everything right now. Sultans, silkies, frizzles, texas quail, button quail and ducks. Quite a mix, just can't seem to get enough of hatching.  |
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