Best Household Incubators of 2024

Poultry farming is considered to be one of the most profitable branches of farming. But laying hens alone is not enough to breed birds for sale. With large volumes, it is unprofitable to breed a bird in a natural way: it is costly, not every bird will sit quietly on the nest, therefore, large losses are possible.

In this case, novice farmers are thinking about buying a special unit that will act as a laying hen. There are a lot of poultry incubators on the market today. All models have different characteristics and prices. Therefore, the choice of a specific device must be approached responsibly. We offer you some tips on how to choose a unit, as well as a rating of the best household incubators.

Features of choosing an incubator

There are several types of devices that can automate and simplify the process of incubating eggs. All incubator models differ in a certain set of characteristics. Depending on your needs, you need to choose the right model.

Number of eggs to set

First of all, all devices for this purpose are divided by the number of eggs laid in them. To do this, they are conventionally divided into three groups:

• Household appliances that can handle 40 to 120 pieces at a time. These models are ideal for a small farm.
• Output have a tab from 500 to 1000 pieces.
• Industrial units can incubate up to 3000 eggs at a time.

We recommend a beginner poultry farmer to start with a small incubator that can hold up to 80 eggs. This size is the most popular and is ideal for trying your hand at poultry.

Before choosing a specific model, you need to take into account that the standard capacity is indicated for chicken eggs. Therefore, if you plan to breed another bird, for example, quails or geese, then the number of places for laying can vary significantly. In addition, there will be a need to buy other trays.

Incubator material

You shouldn't pay attention to cheap models of devices, because their operation will surely result in additional expenses. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a quality device. The ideal option would be an incubator made of foam. This material does not absorb liquids, has a low thermal conductivity, which allows it to keep warm inside for a long time. This is especially true in areas with frequent power outages. In the event of an emergency shutdown, the optimum temperature will remain for 4-5 hours. The only drawback of foam is that it absorbs all odors and is easily damaged.

Plastic models are also very popular. They are good because they are convenient to disinfect and wash. Since plastic is significantly inferior to foam in terms of heat retention, many experienced farmers make a special heat-insulating layer before laying eggs. When choosing such a model, it is necessary to take into account the quality of the plastic - it must be smooth, without roughness, chips, cracks and other damage. Any imperfections in the surface lead to the fact that the device can not withstand the temperature load and will quickly fail.

In which country was the incubator made

Enterprises of many countries are engaged in the production of units of this type, so the choice is very wide. Imported models have an attractive appearance and high build quality. The only exception to this rule is cheap Chinese models from unknown manufacturers. But the disadvantage of such models is their high cost. Therefore, the payback of such devices will take a long time.

In this regard, many poultry farmers prefer domestic products and choose Russian incubators. They are significantly inferior to foreign models in aesthetic form and are not perfect in assembly quality. But in the event of a breakdown, there will be no problems with warranty repair. And after the end of the warranty, if necessary, a failed unit will not be difficult to replace with your own hands, since domestic models have a rather simple device.

Egg turning mechanism

This is a very important parameter, since uniform heating of the eggs depends on the timeliness and correctness of the turn. All modern models have 3 ways of turning:

• Manual when eggs need to be turned one at a time. This is a big inconvenience with a significant number of eggs. In addition, it is very important here to turn over with clean hands, since microbes easily penetrate through the pores in the shell and harm the development of the embryo.
• Mechanical involves turning over the masonry using a special handle that turns the trays with a system of rods or levers. This option is recommended for beginners.
• Automatic rotation is carried out by pressing a button. In this case, the eggs can simply roll in a horizontal plane, which increases the risk of shell damage. In another case, the eggs lie motionless in the cells, and the overturn is carried out by moving them on rollers. There are also industrial incubators that move the trays with a vertical tilt of 45 degrees.

Even in the event of an automatic overturn, it is necessary to ventilate the masonry every day and cool it a little.

Temperature regulator

Another parameter by which incubators are chosen is the quality of the thermostat. Definitely give preference to models with a digital temperature controller. It has several distinct advantages:

• The device provides precise temperature control. This allows high-quality heating of the masonry without underheating or overheating. The accuracy class can be different and in most cases it ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 degrees. Although there are models that have a step of temperature change of 0.01 degrees.
• Digital thermostats only slightly increase the cost of an incubator compared to mechanical models. They are easy to configure.

The filling of the thermostat can also vary. For example, for models with 0.1 degree increments. Both the triac module and a simple relay can be responsible for turning on the heating. In the first case, the device will work very reliably, but it is very sensitive to voltage surges. The relay can quickly burn out.

Air distributor and fan

This parameter is not a required element of the incubator, but it makes the device more convenient to use. In devices in the simplest design, there are special holes in the case through which air enters.During the operation of the thermostat, the necessary microclimate is created inside the device.

If the dimensions of the incubator are small, then a powerful fan is not necessary. If the capacity of the device exceeds 60 eggs, then artificial airflow becomes an important element for the correct operation of the device. It is best to choose models where the fan is located in the center of the cover. In such a device, air freely penetrates into all corners.

Battery powered

The ability to turn on the incubator from the battery will be an additional advantage of the model. Of course, the cost of such a device will increase, since the batteries themselves cost a lot. But in the event of an emergency power outage, such a device will be able to operate on backup heating elements with a lower power.

If you approach the choice of the device, armed with calculations, it turns out that backup batteries are not particularly needed. Within 2-3 hours, the foam layer maintains the required temperature inside the incubator. If the power outages last longer, then you will have to connect an additional device, such as a car battery, which implies additional costs and skills.

When breeding poultry for sale, it is better not to risk it and overpay a little for the presence of additional batteries.

Possibility of warranty and post-warranty repair

Before buying, it will not be superfluous to ask the seller about the possibility of carrying out warranty repairs, since any equipment can break down. In this regard, the advantage is on the side of the products of the Russian manufacturer, since in the most extreme case it will be possible to contact the manufacturer of the device directly.

Before starting the device for the first time, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation and the rules of the first start. Also, do not make any innovations and improvements to the design of the model, as this entails an automatic termination of the warranty.

Rating of the best models of incubators

Ideal brood hen

This popular Russian model is produced in Novosibirsk. The increased interest of the buyer is explained by the low price of the device and high-quality performance with a good set of functions. In the assortment there are several types of incubator for the number of eggs from 35 to 104. This device has the ability to work both from the mains and from the battery. The body is made of foam, which gives it a low weight. The device is equipped with modern heating elements with high heat transfer rates and unlimited service life. An additional advantage of the model is its low power consumption up to 90 W.

• low price;
• simple device;
• simple repair;
• compact size;
• high performance.

• high temperature spread inside the device;
• there are malfunctions in the operation of the swing mechanism;
• the thermal sensor may give incorrect readings;
• Bacteria are often found in the foam.

The average price is 4,700 rubles.

Cinderella

The Cinderella incubator is also produced in Novosibirsk. This household model has become widespread due to its low cost. The peculiarity of this device is that the heating element is capable of operating both from the network and from hot water.

The device has a high-quality automatic masonry turnover, which is carried out 10 times in 24 hours. The device can incubate 70 chicken or 40 goose eggs at the same time. If we abandon the swivel mechanism, then the capacity can be increased to 100 eggs. In this case, you will have to turn the masonry with your hands.

This incubator has a far from ideal design and is much inferior to foreign models of the incubator. During operation, the thermostat may fail or the grille may break, but the device fully justifies its price. The advantage of the model is that it can be easily improved and repaired if necessary.

• low price;
• efficiency is approaching 90%.

• insufficient ventilation;
• heating is carried out unevenly;
• the thermostat quickly fails.

The average price is 3500 rubles.

Poseda Blitz-48

This model is considered one of the most popular among Russian poultry farmers. The incubator has a very good design with an automatic turning mechanism. Thanks to the precise setting of the mechanism for turning off and turning on the heating, the thermostats are able to maintain the temperature inside the device with an accuracy of 0.1 degrees. Not every modern incubator model can boast of such indicators.

Inside the incubator is lined with 40 mm thick galvanized steel sheets. To regulate humidity, a special damper is provided, which allows you to maintain this indicator at a level of 40-80%.

The design of the device is designed to simplify the process of hatching chicks as much as possible and at the same time ensures high reliability of operation. In case of an emergency power outage, additional power is provided from external batteries. At the same time, after switching to a new mode of operation, all settings for temperature, humidity and the frequency of egg overturn are fully preserved. This state in an incubator can persist for a day. After the appearance of voltage in the network, the device automatically switches to it.

• perfectly maintains temperature;
• reliable battery;
• precise masonry turning mechanism.

• high price;
• inconvenient water addition;
• the thermometer may be damaged.

The average price is 7700 rubles.

Brinsea Octagon 20 Advance

The English-made incubator has earned many positive reviews from customers. It is rightfully the leader in its ability to maintain humidity and temperature indicators. For the manufacture of the case, high-strength plastic is used, treated with a special additive that prevents the development of bacteria and microbes.

In critical situations, an alarm is provided, which occurs when the temperature inside the device rises or falls. The design of the tray allows eggs of any size to be placed in it. The device has only one significant drawback: with a capacity of only 20 eggs, it costs more than $ 300.

• stability in work;
• low marriage rate;
• high quality construction.

• high price;
• you need a lot of water to work.

The average price is 21,500 rubles.

Novital Covatutto

This device is made in Italy and is of fairly good quality. It provides everything necessary so that the process of hatching young animals does not cause a lot of trouble. Temperature and ventilation parameters are automatically adjusted, the control unit can be removed to wash the incubator, and a large window is provided for easy observation. The design of the water tank allows you to maintain a humidity level in the range from 45 to 55%.

• works quietly;
• has an attractive design;
• convenient and easy to operate;
• low marriage rate.

• high price;
• holds fewer eggs than stated.

The average price is 21,000 rubles.

R-Com King Suro20

The Korean-made incubator allows you to automate the hatching process as much as possible. At the same time, the device works very reliably. The poultry farmer can only lay eggs inside the device and turn it on, he will do the rest himself. The smart incubator itself maintains the required temperature and humidity inside the case and performs egg turning.

For ease of use, multiple ventilation holes and automatic humidification are provided. The air inside the device is controlled by an adjustable air flow. To protect the hatched offspring from leg deformities, the pallet is corrugated.

• Accurately supports all settings for humidity and temperature levels;
• easy to use;
• practically does not give a marriage.

• capacity is low;
• expensive device;
• the instruction is in English only.

The average price is 18,100 rubles.

TGB-70 A "BIO"

This model is intended exclusively for hatching waterfowl chicks. To solve this problem, the tray is designed so that the eggs are strictly vertical. After initial discarding, the remaining eggs are laid out at an angle or horizontally. Eggs are turned using a special winch. The model is distinguished by an acceptable price and good performance.

• specially designed for water birds;
• acceptable price;
• good thermal insulation.

• the temperature inside the chamber is unevenly distributed;
• inconvenient to lay eggs.

The average cost is 11,000 rubles.

Nest-200Elite

This incubator of Ukrainian production is recommended to be used for breeding chicks, when it is of great importance to minimize losses at all stages. The device features a fully automated system that does not require constant monitoring. Proper masonry maintenance is ensured by high-quality camera assembly and precision electronics automation.

The device has the ability to work both from the network and from a backup power source. The only drawback of the incubator is that in the event of a breakdown of any part of the unit, its repair is very expensive.

• the steel body has a high build quality;
• a high-quality thermometer shows the temperature accurately;
• almost complete absence of marriage;
• a redundant power supply can be used.

• high price;
• expensive components and repairs.

The average price is 40,000 rubles.

TGB-210VLRA "BIO"

This device can be used on small farms as it has a large capacity. The main advantage of this model is that it allows you to shorten the incubation period with the help of special sound stimulation, forcing the embryos to adapt to this rhythm. In addition, a Chizhesky chandelier is provided in the chamber, which also has a positive effect on the development of embryos. A uniform temperature is created inside the chamber due to the special distribution of the heating shades.

• shortened incubation process;
• sound stimulation and additional ionization;
• 210 eggs can be laid at the same time;
• uniform temperature inside the chamber.

• expensive device.

The average price is 22,000 rubles.

When choosing an incubator, first of all, you must proceed from your own goals and objectives, choosing high-quality models with a small number of eggs for personal use, or devices with a large capacity, equipped with an automatic control system.