3 best incubators

An incubator is a device used in poultry farming to artificially simulate the conditions necessary for eggs to hatch. It creates a controlled environment with precise temperature, humidity, and ventilation settings. This allows eggs to develop and hatch outside of a natural setting, such as in a hen's nest.

Here are some key points about incubators in the context of Poultry Care, Farm Ranch, and Patio Lawn Garden:

Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for successful incubation. For most poultry, the optimal temperature ranges from 99.5 to 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 38 degrees Celsius).
Humidity Control: Humidity levels inside the incubator also need to be carefully regulated. This is essential for the proper development of the embryo. Generally, humidity levels range from 40% to 50% during the first 18 days, and then increase to around 65% during the final days of incubation.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation ensures a fresh supply of oxygen for the developing embryos and helps regulate humidity levels.
Turning of Eggs: Eggs need to be turned regularly during the incubation period. This prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell and promotes even development.
Candling: Candling is a process where the eggs are illuminated with a bright light source to inspect the development of the embryo. This is usually done after a few days of incubation to identify any non-viable eggs.
Incubation Period: The length of time eggs need to be incubated varies depending on the species. For example, chicken eggs typically take 21 days to hatch.
Sanitization and Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean environment is crucial to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could affect the development of the embryos.
Monitoring: Regular checks are necessary to ensure that the incubator is functioning properly and that conditions are stable.
Hatching: Once the incubation period is complete, the eggs are moved to a separate section of the incubator (if available) where they can hatch in a controlled environment.
Brooding: After hatching, chicks need a warm and safe environment to continue their early development. This is typically done in a brooder, which is a separate enclosure with controlled temperature and lighting.

By using an incubator, poultry farmers have greater control over the hatching process, allowing for more consistent and reliable results compared to natural incubation. It's an essential tool for those involved in poultry farming and is widely used in various agricultural settings.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best incubators on the market

KEBONNIXS 12 Egg Incubator with Humidity Display, Egg Candler, Automatic Egg Turner, for Hatching Chickens

KEBONNIXS

Based on 581 reviews Check latest price

Product description

If you are looking for an incubator that is easy to use, high hatch rate, without always worrying about temperature or humidity fluctuation, the KEBONNIXS 12 egg incubator is just designed for this!

Advanced Temperature control program:

Unlike many of other incubators, this incubator use an advanced “Temperature Tracking and Prediction” technology, which can continuously tracking and recording the temperature changes 3 times per second, then based on this data to predict the temperature trend and make prompt adjustments to heating system in advance to offset possible temperature fluctuation, this can bring a much more stable temperature for your eggs and thus improves hatch rate; in other words, this incubator provides more precise temperature control over many of other incubators who still use traditional on/off thermostat to roughly control the incubator temperature.

Easy Humidity Monitor and Control:

Unlike many of other incubators that each time filling water will need to open incubator lid and will cause humidity fluctuation; for this incubator you can directly fill water into external water top-up, which is convenient and won’t cause humidity fluctuation. Also, it can display humidity level, so you can clearly monitor humidity level at any time.

Automatic egg turner with auto-stop:

Every 60 minutes, the automatic egg turner will gently rolls the eggs by a certain angle to simulate nature hen hatch to increase hatch rate. Also, it has a built-in timer to help you keeping track of the days, so you can clearly know how many days left. Furthermore, it will help you automatically stop turning eggs 3 days before hatch day to avoid excess turning to your eggs.

Fun and educational Egg Candler:

With using built-in LED egg Candler, you can easily observe the development of the eggs, to track and monitor if eggs are developing correctly.

★ STABLE TEMPERATURE - Induced airflow system drived by a strong circulating fan for a stable incubator temperature distribution
★ DISPLAY HUMIDITY LEVEL - No need to buy additional hygrometer to monitor incubator humidity level
★ BUILT-IN EGG CANDLER - No need to buy additional egg candler to observe the development of eggs
★ EXTERNAL WATER TOP-UP - No need to open the incubator lid to avoid causing temperature fluctuation
★ AUTO-STOP EGG TURNER - Automatic stop turning eggs 3 days before hatch to avoid excess turning to eggs

User questions & answers

Question:	will the quail eggs rotate fine in this, even if they are small
Answer:	It will crack them and bust your air cells. Don't buy.
Question:	Why does my incubator say the temp is 99.5 but multiple added thermometers inside say 93.5? Is it broken or is there a reason for this
Answer:	This is the issue I had with this incubator. The temperature was very unreliable and I have temp spike and drops which can be fatal to eggs.
Question:	Does it 220V compatible
Answer:	Yes, the included power adapter can compatible with 220V.
Question:	Can you change the hatch day? I'm interested in using this for quail which have a shorter incubation period
Answer:	No only reset to 21 days. If you have to stop turning quail 3 days before they hatch you could probably set it up and wait 3 days before putting the eggs in. I’m planning on doing the opposite with some turkey eggs which are 28 days

Farm Innovators Model Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner,Improved Version.Upgrade.1.

Farm Innovators

Based on 864 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Farm Innovators Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner is easy to use and can accommodate up to 41 eggs. The Incite heater warms to a factory pre-set temperature of 100°F within minutes. An integrated fan pulls in and circulates fresh air to stabilize temperature and improve hatch. An easy to read digital display shows temperature, humidity, and days to hatch (days-to-hatch countdown timer is adjustable for a variety of eggs). The automatic egg turner turns the eggs completely every four hours to eliminate manual handling and improve hatch rate. Egg turner comes with 41 large egg cups; optional small quail egg trays are sold separately. The high/low temperature notification light flashes when temperature is below 97°F or above 103°F. A large picture window provides a 360° unobstructed view inside the incubator, great for educational observation. The deep bottom tray accommodates even large duck and goose eggs. This is a great incubator for hobbyists and for educational purposes. Made with insulating polystyrene foam. 120 volts; 40 watts; 0.33 amps.

Durable hard plastic outer shell protects incubator and is easy to clean
Automatic egg turner turns the eggs completely every 4 hours to eliminate manual handling and improve hatch rate (41 egg capacity)
An integrated fan pulls in and circulates fresh air to stabilize temperature and improve hatch
An easy to read digital display shows temperature, humidity, and days to hatch (adjustable for a variety of eggs)
High/low temperature notification light flashes when temperature is below 97°F or above 103°F
Includes egg candler to monitor development progress of the eggs
Large picture window provides a 360° unobstructed view inside the incubator

Product features

Farm Innovators Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Egg Turner

The Farm Innovators Digital Circulated Air Incubator with automatic egg turner is easy to use and accommodates up to 41 eggs. Featuring two EZ fill water channels on the side of the incubator allowing you to add water without removing lid. Each water channel is separate to help maintain proper humidity during each stage of development. Heater warms to a factory pre-set temperature of 100° F within minutes. Turns eggs completely every four hours, eliminating manual handling, improving hatch rate.

Farm Innovators Quail Rails

Model: 3400

The Farm Innovators Quail Rails are designed for quail and other small eggs. The rails replace the standard rails on the Model 3200 Automatic Egg Turner. Holds up to 120 eggs (each rail holds 20 eggs). Easy to install and dishwasher safe.

Farm Innovators Heated Chicken Mat

Model: HM-60P

This heated mat provides your flock with a warm place to rest during cold winter months. Ideal for baby chicks to adults in coops, nesting areas and pens. It’s constructed of durable, easy-to-clean, high impact ABS plastic and is thermostatically controlled to operate automatically. A red indicator light shows when the unit is operating. The mat can be mounted vertically or horizontally. 60 watts. Dimensions: 13” x 19”.

Farm Innovators Baby Chick Starter Home

Model: 3700

This durable enclosure consists of 10 plastic panels that connect easily to form a cozy environment for raising up to 15 chicks. It is washable and reusable, and folds flat for easy storage. An adjustable height brooder lamp hanger is included (lamp is not included). Also perfect for game bird chicks. 36” diameter by 18” high.

Farm Innovators Heated Poultry Fount

Model: HPF-100

Farm Innovators 'All-Seasons' Heated Plastic Poultry Fountain with 3 gallon water capacity in reservoir. Thermostatically controlled to operate only when necessary. Keeps water from freezing down to 0° F (-18° C). Easy fill from bottom. Ideal for year round use.

Farm Innovators Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker

Model: HB-60P

The Farm Innovators Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker is a 60 watt nipple-style drinker that will keep water from freezing, even in sub-zero temperatures. The side-mounted nipples are specifically designed to be drip-free and will not freeze, allowing water to flow year round. The bucket holds 2.25 gallons of water and the 3 nipples will accommodate up to 15 chickens. Unlike drinkers where the nipples are on the bottom, the Farm Innovators drinker can either be hung in the coop or placed on a hard, flat surface. The top removes for easy refilling.

Farm Innovators Heated Base

Model: HP-125

Farm Innovators Heated Base for Metal Poultry Founts. Prevents water from freezing in temperatures as low as 10° F (-12° C). Thermostatically controlled to operate only when necessary. Designed for use with double wall metal founts only. For outdoor use in a dry, covered area.

Farm Innovators 2450 Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner

Farm Innovators Pet Products

Based on 151 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Farm Innovators Digital Circulated Air Incubator with automatic egg turner is easy to use and can accommodate up to 41 eggs. The Incite heater warms to a factory pre-set temperature of 100° F within minutes. A digital display shows temperature, humidity, and days to hatch (days-to-hatch countdown timer is adjustable for a variety of eggs). The automatic egg turner turns the eggs completely every four hours to eliminate manual handling and improve hatch rate. The high/low temperature notification light flashes when temperature is below 97 degree Fahrenheit or above 103 degree Fahrenheit. A large picture window provides a 360° unobstructed view inside the incubator, great for educational observation. The deep bottom tray accommodates even large duck and goose eggs.

Automatic egg turner turns the eggs completely every 4 hours to eliminate manual handling and improve hatch rate (41 egg capacity)
An integrated fan pulls in and circulates fresh air to stabilize temperature and improve hatch
An easy to read digital display shows temperature, humidity, and days to hatch (adjustable for a variety of eggs)
High/low temperature notification light flashes when temperature is below 97°F or above 103°F
Large picture window provides a 360° unobstructed view inside the incubator

User questions & answers

Question:	Will peafowl eggs fit & turn in 2450 model
Answer:	I put small quail eggs in
Question:	Is there a way to calibrate the thermometer? Mine is off by 2+ degrees
Answer:	I adjusted the temp to match the secondary thermometer, I couldn’t figure out a way yo calibrate the on board thermometer. , I ended up with 32 out of 36 eggs hatched on my first go around.
Question:	Can you use the quail rails on this
Answer:	Yes. But you have to unscrew the turner motor to change the rails unlike the GQF model which you can pop off
Question:	Can the temperature be adjusted? Once the temperature is set, how much temperature swing occurs
Answer:	I just hatched about 30 chicks out of this. Temperature can be adjusted but the default is for chicken eggs. I kept it in my basement for the most stable environment, and there was barely a fluctuation unless you opened it. Hope this helps

Product features

Farm Innovators Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner

The Farm Innovators Digital Circulated Air Incubator with automatic egg turner is easy to use and can accommodate up to 41 eggs. It features two EZ fill water channels on the side of the incubator to allow you to add water without removing the lid. Each water channel is separate to help maintain proper humidity during each stage of development. The heater warms to a factory pre-set temperature of 100° F within minutes. A digital display shows temperature, humidity, and days to hatch (days-to-hatch countdown timer is adjustable for a variety of eggs). The automatic egg turner turns the eggs completely every four hours to eliminate manual handling and improve hatch rate. The high/low temperature notification light flashes when temperature is below 97° F or above 103° F. A large picture window provides a 360° unobstructed view inside the incubator, great for educational observation. The deep bottom tray accommodates even large duck and goose eggs.

Farm Innovators Egg Candler

Model: 3300.

Used to check development progress of eggs. Help to identify infertile or 'dead in shell' eggs for removal. See the live embryo inside the egg as it develops. Lightweight and easy to use. Plugs into standard 120VAC outlet. Great for educational purposes and fun for kids.

Farm Innovators Quail Rails

Model: 3400.

Farm Innovators Heated Chicken Mat

Model: HM-60P.

Farm Innovators Baby Chick Starter Home

Model: 3700.

Farm Innovators Heated Poultry Fount

Model: HPF-100.

Farm Innovators Heated 2 Gallon Poultry Drinker

Model: HB-60P.

Farm Innovators Heated Base

Model: HP-125.

Farm Innovators Nesting Box

Model: 3800.

Attractive nesting box with perch. A safe, dark, and secure place for hens to lay eggs. Curved, egg-shaped roof to prevent roosting. Sturdy perch for hens to land on, with a sloped floor for drainage. Custom air holes for ventilation. Durable plastic material for easy cleaning and to resist rust, rot, and corrosion. Mounts easily to wall or studs - 16” on center.