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Barnyard Buddies:  incubator  |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 5:03:35 PM
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OK
After a week of searching online for hatcheries and no setting hens yet, I think I may be ready to take the plunge and just buy an incubator.
I know they can be made by using a styrofoam cooler, but this go-round I'd rather just do one stop shopping.
So, having NEVER done this before......what's a good, reputable brand that is easy to use and almost foolproof?
It would be nice to hatch more than 9 or so eggs at one time, so if there is a standard size, that would also be helpful.
Thanks so much |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 6:07:02 PM
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anna i know there are girls on here that know more than me. i have learned i dont like the styrofoam ones. we have them. hard to clean. you also need one that moves the egg and has a hydrometer and thermometer and humidifies its self. makes it easier i think. it was hard managing moisture correctly. then you need another that does not move the egg last few days. if you only have one then you cannot add eggs later. they would have different needs. i was looking and the hard plastic looked good to me. i thought it looked really washable. hygiene is so important. just a thought happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1152 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1152 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 7:03:17 PM
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I have 2 Little Giant styrofoam 'bators. I have one which is fully outfitted with the turner and the fan. It's the ONLY way to go, no matter what kind you get.
Brinsea has a good looking model for around 235:
http://www.brinsea.com/products/octagon20eco.htm
A styrofoam model with a fan and auto turner will run you around 150, unless, of course, you find something used. I'm a little weird about using used poultry equipment since there are many poultry diseases that can be passed. That's just me.
I have had pretty good success once we installed the fan and the turner. I plan on setting more eggs this year. You will also need to invest in a digital thermometer/hygrometer (you can get them @ WalMart for around 15 dollars). You don't ever want to depend on just the thermometer that comes with the unit.
I have an old mini-fridge that I am planning on turning into a cabinet style 'bator. You can always make your own, but you definitely need to know what you're doing. I made an emergency bator out of a plastic animal cage and a heatpad and it was an absolute nightmare to regulate. Won't ever do that again!!!But it did work!
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Barnyard Buddies: incubator |
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incubator
